Elucida: Biomaterials Illuminate the Night

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About

'Elucida' is an interactive exhibition that forms a tranquil space made up of illuminated Bacterial Cellulose. Bacterial Cellulose is a biomaterial formed through the fermentation of kombucha tea, a beverage produced by colonies of bacteria and yeast. These organisms are embedded within a cellulose mat that forms on the surface of the culture creating a network of fibres that make up the structure of this biofilm. The process is low energy-intensive, creates low waste, and offers many new opportunities in design and architecture. Utilizing this material, the resulting installation will be accessible to all, forming a threshold along an existing pathway that encourages curiosity through a visual, tactile, and sensorial experience.

'Elucida' was developed by the BIOM_Lab research team in the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba. Dominico IV Obmerga was the lead designer for this project with the support of Vyas Gopal, Leonardo Tellez, Jessica Piper, Magdiel Antonio, Kanza Rauf and Vanshita Parmar.

Links

• BIOM_Lab instagram.com

Organizer

BIOM_Lab, Faculty of Architecture, University of Manitoba

The BIOM_Lab, is a recently founded research group at the University of Manitoba. We work at the intersection of biology and design exploring theoretical constructs, using digital simulation tools and working on applied science experiments with biomaterials to advance architectural research and provide a transdisciplinary platform for students to investigate alternative design venues. Our work with biomaterials aims to optimize resource use in buildings and support local production and distribution of materials for Northern and remote communities. Dr. Mercedes Garcia-Holguera is the principal investigator at the BIOM_Lab and she is always excited to welcome students and collaborate with professional organizations, community groups and academic partners.