\”Bionic Chandelier (Exhale)\” by Julian Melchiorri, image/information source: Julian Melchiorri
EXHALE (also known as the Bionic Chandelier) is an evolution of the Silk Leaf technology developed by design engineer Julian Melchiorri.
• Silk Leaf Roots: In 2014, Melchiorri created the \”Silk Leaf,\” the world\’s first artificial biological leaf. This prototype stabilized chloroplasts extracted from plant cells within a silk protein matrix to allow them to photosynthesize—absorbing CO2 and producing oxygen.
• Evolution: While the Silk Leaf successfully demonstrated that materials could photosynthesize, Melchiorri evolved the technology for EXHALE to use living microalgae (living micro-plants) instead of stabilized chloroplasts to ensure longevity and scalability.
EXHALE: The Bionic Chandelier
EXHALE is described as the world’s first living \”bionic chandelier\”. It explores how biotechnology and engineering can be integrated into everyday objects to establish a symbiotic relationship between people and their environment.
• Function: The chandelier functions as a natural air purification system. It consumes carbon dioxide (CO2) and releases breathable oxygen (O2) while illuminating the space.
• Mechanism:
◦ Living Algae: The fixture contains living green microalgae housed within 70 glass leaf modules (petals).
◦ Photosynthesis: The algae are activated by a mix of daylight and LEDs, stimulating photosynthesis to purify the air.
◦ Life Support: The system is connected to a life-support device developed by engineers at Arborea (Melchiorri\’s biochemical technology company) that drip-feeds nutrients to the microorganisms to maintain the ecosystem.
• Design & Aesthetics:
◦ The chandelier features a radial pattern inspired by natural plant shapes and the Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum’s Art Nouveau and Islamic Art collections.
◦ It is constructed from tempered and formed stainless steel using a biomimetic approach of \”form through function\”.
◦ The modular \”petals\” are arranged in three different sizes.
Recognition
• Permanent Collection: EXHALE was acquired as part of the permanent collection at the V&A Museum in London.
• Awards: The project won the 2017 Emerging Talent Medal and was displayed during the London Design Festival
