Designing with Biology: A New Frontier
Imagine lighting that’s not just made but grown—introducing biofabricated lighting with Cenit, a breakthrough lighting collection from Polybion and Mexico-based Natural Urbano. This innovative project transforms how we perceive bacteria in design, offering a fresh perspective on sustainable materials.
Cenit evolves from Lapso, the duo’s earlier creation using five sheets of Celium™, a flexible, translucent bacterial cellulose. Unlike traditional materials, Celium™ is grown with agricultural waste, making it a pioneer in eco-friendly design. First shown at the London Design Festival 2025, each Lapso lamp required patient crafting due to its biological growth process.
Cenit’s Unique Blend: Celium™, Ash, and Steel
Progressing from Lapso, Cenit integrates ash wood and stainless steel, providing versatility and elegance. Available in pendant and table versions, this collection adapts seamlessly to various settings, unlike Lapso’s sculptural exclusivity. Cenit becomes a flexible companion, blending into your home’s ambiance without overshadowing it.
The Radiance of Celium™ Manto Effect
Named after the Spanish word for the highest point in the sky, Cenit’s Celium™ Manto is layered to evoke a horizon’s gradients. When lit, it exudes a natural glow reminiscent of paper or stone, yet with a lighter and more vibrant quality, unmatched by synthetic counterparts.
To see how biobased materials are reshaping design spaces, check out Aisti’s acoustic tiles from renewable wood fibers for an innovative interior solution.
Unlike some sustainable designs that sacrifice aesthetics for eco-friendliness, Cenit achieves beauty without compromise. The blend of ash and Celium™ Manto is deliberate, with stainless steel adding structure and ash infusing warmth, creating an inviting and contemplative design.
Advancing Mexican Innovation in Eco-Conscious Design
Designers Sebastián Beltrán and Lorena Márquez of Natural Urbano, along with Polybion in Guanajuato, are putting Mexico on the map as a hub for design and biotechnology fusion. Traditionally a European and Scandinavian domain, this collaboration underscores Mexico’s significant role in sustainable design.
Cenit: Changing the Design Game
The Cenit collection represents more than just lighting; it’s a vision for the future of materials in interior design. By moving from a sculptural statement to a scalable collection, Polybion and Natural Urbano aim to redefine what constitutes a beautiful object, focusing on both craft and material reinvention. Through their innovation, they challenge conventional design methodologies.
A Glimpse Into the Future of Sustainable Design
By making biofabricated materials like Celium™ more accessible, Cenit is shifting the narrative around sustainable design. As it integrates seamlessly into real interiors, Celium™ could soon become a staple in homes and everyday items. Cenit invites you to explore the stories behind your objects, challenging traditional design norms to foster inquisitiveness and innovation through revolutionary lighting.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the material used in Cenit lighting?
Cenit lighting uses Celium™, a flexible, translucent bacterial cellulose, along with ash wood and stainless steel.
What is special about the Celium™ Manto effect?
The Celium™ Manto effect is layered to evoke horizon gradients, providing a natural glow reminiscent of paper or stone, yet lighter and more vibrant.
Who are the designers behind the Cenit collection?
The designers behind the Cenit collection are Sebastián Beltrán and Lorena Márquez of Natural Urbano, in collaboration with Polybion.