Nature can be the catalyst to inspirational design solutions.
Looking to nature as a case study can often lead to creative solutions that
have been under our nose the entire time. Biomimicry is a powerful concept that
creates not only functional fixes to design problems but it also enhances our
well-being in the build environment. Designs derived from nature can be
elegant, subtle and powerful.
Bioluminescence is a naturally occurring phenomenon in many
organisms. Chemical reactions take place in these beings causing them to emit a
“cold light”. This specific type of light has extremely low rates of generating
thermal radiation or heat. Primarily Bioluminescence is found in ocean dwelling
organisms. In small bioluminescent
plankton and bacteria chemical reactions are generally triggered by ocean waves
and currents.
In the depths of the
night, along the temperate shores of the Pacific and Indian oceans large blooms
of plankton and algae cause the waters to glow blue with every breaking wave. Creating
a mesmerizing spectacle.
This naturally occurring light is what inspired the Amsterdam
designer Teresa van Dongen to create the Ambio Light. The elegant
system contains a glass tube that houses bioluminescent bacteria. Two waits
keep the light in motion, when nudged the fixture gently rocks the water
causing the bacteria to glow.
This fixture demonstrates how effective this natural source
of energy is, and how we can look to nature to derive simple solutions that not
only have a meaningful purpose, but are also breathtakingly beautiful.
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