Biolux
Biolux was a project that explored life on Mars in the year 2100, to provoke thought about our current relationship with the natural world through speculations about the near future. Through values of co-existence, attachment and responsibility to plants, our project aimed to encourage a social shift in our ontology by evoking a greater sense of purpose and care for life. In discussing about the social and ecological dilemmas facing today’s societies, Adolfo Alban stated that “the problem is not one of lack of knowledge, but of the conditions of existence” (Escobar, 2018, p. 33). Influenced by this concept, we focused on our psychological necessities and our way of life in the context of Mars. Biolux in itself, is a vessel that incubates a genetically engineered plant which exists inside every Martian’s biodome. Through genetic engineering, Biolux has the ability to glow at night—making it a light source that has to be taken care of, while provoking conversations on our relationship with objects, and the technology’s ethical implications. This evident symbiosis also drove us to create a speculative narrative that revolved around the care for plants, both as resources and as symbols for perpetuating life. The implications of this project also applies to our current disregard for the environment by calling for the need of mutual respect, by forcing us to think more critically about the luxuries that we take for granted, and by reminding us of the possible future that our current habits may lead to.
The vessel, biodomes, plants and furnishings were modelled in Fusion360. Composite scenarios were created with Adobe Photoshop.
This project was conceptualized and designed with Shraeyas Massey.
Spring semester process book︎︎︎
Fall semester process book︎︎︎
Escobar, A. (2018). Design for the Pluriverse. Duke University Press.
