Lighting the Darkness: Bioluminescence Amid Crisis
Andrea Raos
Dora Raos
As a diverse, multicultural, and interdisciplinary team, we comprise two individuals holding Master's degrees in Architecture and Urban Design, and one Postdoctoral candidate specializing in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine.
Andrea Raos, a Croatian architect based in Milan and a German team member, focuses on lighting and sustainable design, cultivated through extensive practical experiences in various international settings, including Switzerland, the
Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Italy, Indonesia, and Croatia. Her work mostly involves experimenting with innovative materials in small-scale design projects.
Dora Raos, situated in Zagreb, is a Postdoctoral science candidate whose expertise lies in experimental biology and laboratory research. She is part of several European Scientific Associations focusing on Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. Furthermore, her research has been published in various scientific publications. Her commitment to knowledge exchange is integral to her daily pursuits, seamlessly integrated with exploring and innovating novel avenues within the biomedical sphere.
Carlos Arcos, an Ecuadorian architect also based in Milan, actively engages in multidisciplinary collaborations, resulting in numerous achievements in both national and international design competitions. Additionally, he has co-authored several publications, including books and academic articles, focused on urban research and community development. Likewise, he has been selected as a lecturer and moderator of congresses held inside and outside the country, whose themes mainly address sustainable design and green city development.
Unified by a collective interest in discovering sustainable and innovative solutions to contemporary global challenges, our team is dedicated to preserving and leveraging the sustainable resources available in our immediate surroundings.
In today's world, three major global challenges—climate change, war, and immigration—profoundly impact our planet, often leaving humanity in darkness through natural disasters, conflict, or displacement. Amidst these crises, the persistent need for light remains critical, yet awareness of the ocean's potential as a source of illumination is limited.
With over 90% of habitable space and hosting more than 80% of animal species, oceans hold vast biodiversity, including bioluminescent organisms like Pyrolysis Fusiformis, offering alternative light sources during crises.
While progress has been made in bioluminescence generation, much remains unexplored. Recognizing its potential to address urgent needs, we must embark on a journey of discovery to develop new bioluminescent-based products. By understanding the factors influencing bioluminescence and the challenges posed by crises, we uncover a landscape ripe for innovation. These conditions call for exploration towards designing products primarily aimed at providing light in crises, ensuring safety, and mitigating trauma.
These explorations lead to a range of design solutions and prototypes, introducing a new design language that harmonizes with living organisms. These solutions aim to assist populations affected by global challenges such as climate catastrophes, conflict, or involuntary displacement.
Ultimately, we envision a world where intelligent use of natural resources fosters coexistence, with architects playing a crucial role in prioritizing vulnerable populations in need.