Synergy

A biomimetic lighting system inspired by the Blue Morpho butterfly, designed to reduce urban light pollution, energy use, and environmental impact through an innovative blend of bioluminescent algae and fiber optics.

my role

Design Research & Systems Thinking
Conducted in-depth secondary research on urban light pollution, bioluminescent systems, and biomimetic precedents (Blue Morpho butterfly, fiber optics, skylights). Evaluated our concept against Life’s Principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals to ensure ecological alignment.

Design Development

Collaborated on the algae configuration and proposed integration of fiber optics and natural light within a subway system. Provided feedback on industrial modeling and rendered the system's above and below-ground interactions.

Narrative & Visual Communication
Developed the system’s story arc and messaging strategy. Scripted, narrated, and edited the concept video. Created all copy and formatting for both the process book and award submissions.

Biomimicry Methodology (2021)
Biomimetic Design | Bio-assisted Technology | Lighting & Carbon Solution

Blue morpho (Morpho Menelaus) butterfly wings have a layered microstructure that diffract light waves.

Chitin scales are organized in overlapping rows. Each scale has thousands of structural ridges.

Light gets reflected through the layered ridges, cancelling out some light wavelengths while intensifying others.

Blue is the color perceived by the human eye.

Biology to Design is a process open to any designer or creative who may be inspired by or driven to include a biological function into a design without a specific or defined context or problem to solve. The graphic to the right shows the general, non-linear steps by which a designer may go about this process. Synergy's formation was developed after the steps of discovering and scoping. Once we carefully identified, researched, and abstracted the light refractive strategy of the Blue Morpho butterfly, we began to scope out problems and contexts that this strategy could solve for, and ideate and evaluate solutions.

problem

Artificial light pollution from cities can extend over 40 miles, affecting 83% of the global population. This persistent glow harms human health, disrupts ecosystems, and endangers wildlife. Additionally, cities consume over two-thirds of the world’s energy and generate more than 70% of global CO₂ emissions. These energy practices not only damage the planet and public health—they’re also costly. A full transition to renewable energy could save Americans up to $321 billion. Our challenge was to develop interactive solutions that mitigate light pollution, adapt energy use, and promote renewable, accessible power.

solution

Stefanie Perosa

Devin Rooney

Under the direction of Scott Boylston

View Devin's Portfolio

Devin, Scott, and I on a Biomimicry field trip exploring the marshes and the Altamaha River

This project reminded us just how powerful collaboration with nature can be. When natural systems and human-made ones are thoughtfully combined, they can unlock creative, adaptable solutions that go far beyond what either could do alone. That said—complex systems are tough to explain. Trying to make something layered and interconnected feel clear and approachable is its own kind of challenge. It takes patience, clarity, and a whole lot of editing (and re-editing).

"The core of biomimetic practice is not the question of what we can extract from nature, but what we can learn from nature and its 3.85 billion year old genius. How can nature serve as a blueprint to seek, design, and implement sustainable solutions that are conducive to life?"

- The Biomimicry Institute on Biomimicry

process book

For a more detailed understanding of our process, feel free to view our book. You'll find that since completing our book, Synergy and our communication has greatly developed!

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Synergy

my role

problem

solution

process book

biomimicry photos