Lapso: A Living Lamp Grown from Bacterial Cellulose
Polybion and Natural Urbano have joined forces to create Lapso, a lamp grown from Celium, a cultivated bacterial cellulose. The project redefines how designers work with living materials, turning biological growth into a design process.
Design and Material in Dialogue
The design began with Celium itself. Its translucency, flexibility, and response to stitching shaped the final form. Local artisans in León, Mexico, helped explore how the material behaves under the needle. Rather than imitating leather or plastic, the team allowed Celium to express its own character. The result is a design language that feels natural, fluid, and precise.
Craftsmanship Meets Cultivation
Each lamp uses five layers of Celium stretched over a stainless steel frame. This balance gives strength, light diffusion, and softness to the piece. Through four design iterations, the team refined edge geometry, seam placement, and mounting details. The final version includes a removable light-diffusing screen, improving both handling and maintenance. It proves that longevity is an essential part of sustainable design.
Growing Materials for a Circular Future
Unlike conventional materials, Celium is grown by bacteria, not extracted. It can be cultivated using agricultural waste, reducing energy and water use compared to animal-based or synthetic options. Each lamp retains subtle variations, celebrating the natural qualities of living materials. This approach shows how biobased design can merge beauty, functionality, and sustainability.
Beyond Lighting
Lapso represents a new philosophy: designing with nature rather than against it. The project shows how biofabricated materials can serve as both structure and surface, inspiring new applications in interior and product design. As demand grows for circular and renewable materials, Lapso points to a future where cultivation and craftsmanship coexist in design.
Lapso premiered at the Biofab Fair by Biofabricate during the London Design Festival 2025. It comes in two finishes: Natural (undyed) and Humo (dark). Each lamp is handmade and delivered with a certificate of authenticity.
Source & photos: Polybion / Natural Urbano