Bio-Modules Cyber-physical modular responsive variations for dark urban areas using bio-degradable materials

Abstract

This paper documents the design and fabrication process of modular responsive lighting installation. The design and research led to a modular and transformable urban lighting concept, combining unique material behaviour and cyber-physical system. The main goal was to investigate how material characteristics, composition and performance could be programmed in order to generate a range of modular components. Modular tiles and joints combination designed of sustainable materials-bioplastics and cork sheets-were created and used together with number of sensors and micro-controllers. Furthermore, the installation concept links technical and psychological aspects that potentially could be used for the benefits of city dwellers. Paper consists of two parts. First part is the introduction of a broader urban night lighting design context to which the project belongs. This includes covering existing social issues related to urban darkness, as well as the need to increase biodiversity within built environment, through introducing new materials. The second part of the paper describes the design and fabrication process, that employs the conclusions discovered in the first part through set of material experimentations, design project and the reflections on the results.