Wavy Light

An experiment in learning and creating bioplastic and then designing a product from its qualities.

— Zoe Birbiglia, Creator.

Category

Lighting

  • n/a

Creator

Zoe Birbiglia

Program

Interior Design, 2025

Wavy Light is an experimental lighting project that explores bioplastic as both a sustainable material and a medium for optical design. Through hands-on research, over 20 recipes were developed to achieve a custom bioplastic blend using gelatin, glycerin, vinegar, water, and lemon oil. Tapioca was used for opacity, while gelatin contributed transparency and fast-setting properties. Natural pigments such as turmeric and red cabbage introduced varied color saturation and translucency. Thin sheets were tinted in blues and greens, cut into strips, and layered over a mold to create a glowing, bowl-shaped form. The translucency of the material shifts with pigment concentration, revealing bioplastic’s sensitivity to light. Wavy Light suggests a future for bioplastics in decorative lighting that embraces both craft and sustainable innovation.