Made by Insects introduces hand-blown insect cocoons that emit amber light, resulting from extensive research into natural growth patterns and fractals. The project draws inspiration from the Kerria Lacca insects' ability to create eco-systems through their unique architectural use of materials. Ori developed a technique for blowing lac polymer, forming hundreds of interconnected bubbles into a unified structure. These patterns mimic nature’s architecture and offer a novel approach to integrating organic materials into human-built environments.

Bio: Ori Orisun Merhav is a designer and material researcher exploring the intersection of design, nature, and technology. Based in Brussels, she focuses on unconventional, under-utilized materials and seeks to create a bond between the natural world and industrial environments. Her practice, Made by Insects, revolves around the study of Kerria Lacca insects, which transform tree sugars into a polymer. By using innovative techniques such as glass-blowing and 3D printing, Ori revives the material’s utility while pushing the boundaries of sustainable design. Her work is inspired by the concept of mutualism, which she first encountered while studying these insects in Thailand, and is aimed at fostering bio-inclusivity.