Undulae is a series of table and pendant lamps made of cornstarch-based bioplastic tubes. Bioplastic is made from the mixture of cornstarch, water, vinegar and glycerin with a particular proportion and mixing process.

Rethinking The Future Awards 2020
First Award | Interior Design Elements (Concept)

Project Name: Undulae
Studio: TN/MOS
Location: United States
Team: Taeg Nishimoto

Undulae | TN/MOS - Sheet1
©TN/MOS

A bioplastic mixture is spread on a sheet of parchment paper with another sheet on top to make a sandwiched unit. This is held with a PVC pipe inside to hold the unit in place by gravity. When the bioplastic is left to dry, the bioplastic’s nature of shrinking creates a condition on parchment paper to create a crease pattern in one direction.

Undulae | TN/MOS - Sheet2
©TN/MOS

The longitudinal sides that are exposed to the air also create unique undulating pattern along the edges while drying. The color at the edge is applied with food coloring into the liquid mixture when the pour takes place.

Undulae | TN/MOS - Sheet3
©TN/MOS

There are two types of the application of this bioplastic tubes as a lighting fixture. One is a table lamp that uses the singular tube standing upright above a disk that contains the light bulb.

Undulae | TN/MOS - Sheet4
©TN/MOS

The other is a pendant lamp that hangs multiple tubes from a disk above that contains the light bulb at the center. There are two lengths for tubes; one is about 14 inches and the other about 20 inches. The placement and combination of bioplastic tubes for pendant lamps can be rearranged by placing them at different locations of the disk’s holes.

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