Morgan Ruben drew on nature when growing his leaf-shaped Folium light from mycelium and designing his Luminosa lamp to reference the way bioluminescent worms attract prey.
The Utrecht-based designer's work combines technology, design and biology, themes which come through clearly in his two latest lighting designs.
Top: the Folium light is grown from mycelium and hemp. Above: a leaf-shaped mould gives the light its shape
Folium isn't just informed by nature but takes the concept one step further by incorporating mycelium ? a living organism that is the roof system of mushrooms ? as a material.
Ruben had never worked with mycelium before Folium but had followed the development of its use in production for some time.
To create Folium, he grew the material in a leaf-shaped aluminium cast mixed with hemp fibre. "Mycelium grows in between the hemp fibres and transforms it into a solid mass," Ruben told Dezeen.
"It takes between one and two weeks to grow a leaf, depending on the desired colouration. One week results in a light coloured leaf and between one and two weeks a darker marbled colouration."
Growing the leaf shape takes one to two weeks
If grown for longer, the mycelium would produce actual mushrooms, so Ruben heats the material at a low temperature to stop the growth. LED-lights then complete the fluid Folium design.
His Luminosa lamp aims to combine our screen-based, technology-focused everyday life with people's desire for a closer relationship wi...