The Symbioosa collection’s organic morphology is made possible by the use of modern technologies. Itisa product of nature, developing on the groundbreaking collaboration between Lasvit and the LLEV studio, which was the very first collection to use glass forms produced from mycelium. The Symbioosa lightingfurthermorerespects the changes in natural ambient light throughout the day and changes accordingly.
Symbioosais a tribute to mycelium, the fungi to which we owe the existence of plants and other important manifestations in nature.While light gives energy to all life, mycelium, on the other hand, grows underground, quietly and without light. The illumination of Symbioosa figuratively grows out of the darkness to shine.
Since its invention some two centuries ago, artificial lighting has extended the length of our days, and has changed the lives of both individuals and all society. But one must keep in mind that in order for light to support our natural rhythms, it ought to have a different color at various points of the day, both outside and inside. “It is not good to spend your evenings exposed to white light, and that is one of the main reasons we developed Symbioosa. Our light breathes in rhythm with the daily light cycles and creates optimal light conditions for all times of day and night,” say Eva and Marcel Mochal of the LLEV design studio who collaborated on this unique project with Lasvit.
This is the first time Lasvit has used a two-channel system which allows one to set Symbioosa’s dimming according to one’s needs, and allows users to choose from a spectrum of white and yellow light, or custom-set the light’s intensity and composition based on what’s best for the morning, afternoon or evening. The system thus ensures that the light will live in perfect symbiosis with its users.
Like mushroom caps
“We found our greatest source of inspiration in mycelium – meaning mushrooms – and their most characteristic shape, which we worked into an asymmetrical form. Many mushrooms are fluorescent at night, and there have even been experiments which have noted mycelial sound waves, hinting that they are in fact unique living organisms. They may not have a brain, but they are part of an immense network – mycelium. And our lightings are just as smart,” say the designers.
And this organic mushroom shape inspired the shape of the Symbioosa lighting. “We didn’t intend to replicate the round shape of a mushroom cap, but rather opted for an asymmetrical oval shape which changes based on where you look at it from – it is an organic shape which is just fine with the occasional asymmetry. In this case, imperfection is actually a form of perfection. Not all mushrooms are perfectly symmetrical and straight – some spin and others bend, still others are deformed as if they were dancing. Symbioosa reflects this,” explain the Mochals.
Mycelium forms
Just like the Symboll collection, Symbioosa too is made by blowing the glass into forms made of mycelium, which transforms the glass on heated contact and helps it form into uniquely organic forms. Nature took an active part in creating these lightings, facilitated by the natural processes of mycelium growth and beech wood shavings.
The mycelium forms are not made by machines. They in this sense symbolize the transformation of production processes, but also the changing use of materials – for example employing the wood shavings left over from making the more classicaltypes of glass forms. And after use, they are easily liquidated by wholly ecological means– simple composting.
The Symboll glassware set was made using the same process, becoming not only unique in its form, but also being the very first collection to use mycelium as part of the technological process of glassmaking.
Symbioosa in interiors
Because nature lent a helping hand in creating every part of the collection, the creators consider the ideal setting to be in experimental, utopic interiors, which can be as verdant as a green-house while remaining eclectic, elegant, extravagant, and intimate. Their objective was to connect the life of the inhabitants with that of the surrounding nature.
Lasvit will present the Symbioosa lighting collection as part of its Euroluce 2023 presentation during this year’s Salone del Mobile fair, taking place in Milan.
