BioResin Test samples on light board
Abstract
When thinking about the use of biomaterials, sustainability and waste products are often
at the forefront of conversation. While taking a deeper look into the fabrication of biomaterials, I
spent a large amount of time thinking about why we tend to discard objects in the first place.
What makes something timeless, sentimental, or too unique to toss away with other common
disposable objects? Through my experimentation and ideation of biomaterial applications, I
sought to create a product that could either adapt and change with the passage of time, or remain
as a permanent installation in the lives of its consumers.
My biomaterial-based studies were mainly centered around the properties and potential
applications of bioresin. The three focuses of my experiments were to make the initial bio resin
recipe from the nature lab more durable, to achieve 3D forms from flat sheets, and to play with
its interactions with light and shadow. The element of color through natural dyes also played a
major role in the physicality of my bioresin tests. I used butterfly pea tea to achieve a vibrant
blue shade, as well as turmeric powder to capture a warmer orangy color. These complementary
colors aided in my exploration of mood lighting covers, creating temperature based tones.
The extent of my experimentation led me to a public lighting system as the major
application of my bioresin. Metal mesh proved to be the strongest material to create and hold 3D
shapes, and the resin itself served as joinery.
Butterfly Pea Tea dyed bioresin + Turmeric dyed bioresin with wire mesh triangles soldered in between the two. The gaps in between the triangles create joinery as well as indicate clear folding lines. The more the material is folded, the more saturated the colors become and less light is able to pass through the sheet.
Butterfly Pea Tea dyed bioresin with wire mesh inset
Potential application for larger-scale bioresin structures. By replacing traditional public lighting fixtures/shades made of plastic or glass, bioresin fixtures offers a more sustainable and easily replaceable alternative. The wire mesh sheets set into the bioresin offer infinite possibilities for light fixture forms.
