Bio.Lumina

The relationship between humans and their environment is constantly changing. We explore the potential of human interaction with living matter for possible futures. What opportunities for microbial cooperation arise from biotechnological processes? How can we use today’s renewable resources more responsibly – viewing them as symbiotic partners rather than resources? These and other questions are raised through the development of experimental setups, artefacts and scenarios.
Our research takes the Hawaiian bobtail squid as its model: in its light organ, it cultivates bioluminescent bacteria, Aliivibrio fischeri – a living light.
Our goal was and is to transfer the squid’s abilities to different contexts and materials in order to embed living microorganisms – including others beyond the luminous bacteria – into products.
We present initial attempts to embed microorganisms in various materials using manufacturing techniques such as 3D printing and electrospinning, and provide an insight into a diverse range of material futures.

Call #1
3D Farming

The task was to
1. explore the creative potential of 3D with bioluminescent bacteria. This involved exploring materials and systems, developing structures, establishing processes, and asking questions about multi-materiality, adaptivity, growth, and 3-dimensionality…

2. to develop concepts and ideas that could lead to creative possibilities and applications, and to present these as scenarios.

Call #2
Embed the Living

The task was to
1. integrate various living microorganisms into different materials and thereby raise questions about living products. Is there such a thing as biological obsolescence? Do living products have senses or biosensors? What does it mean when we have to ‘take care’ of materials and they are perishable?2. to develop concepts and ideas about the design possibilities and applications that could arise from this and to present these as scenarios.

Call #3 (Design Studies)
Design (with) the Living

The starting point is theoretical and design-related questions at the interface between biology and design and at the boundary between nature, culture, technology and design. How relevant is working with living microorganisms for design? How does the relationship between humans and microbes change when microorganisms become a living part of products? How does this affect our relationship with things? Do we have to take care of them? Do we want to take care of them?

supported by:	Prof. Mareike Gast Prof. Pablo Abend Dr. Falko Matthes Andi Wagner & Johann Bauerfeind
year:	2021
level:	3th year BA + MA