Lilyverse: Envisioning a speculative future for Chhath rituals in the Yamuna river on Lily Pads.
About the Challenge
I participated in the BioDesign Challenge in 2023, selecting the prompt "water." This challenge revolves around the integration of biotechnology and design, encouraging speculative and futuristic design ideas. We created a project called Lilyverse, which utilized the biology of the lily plant and its natural endurance to carry weight on its leaves. Through gene editing, we aimed to make it much stronger and more durable. We presented a new verse where the lily plant would have altered uses, focusing on India's religious aspect of Chhath Pooja. Our speculative design imagined a futuristic possibility of how the pooja could be held in the future with the ever-evolving biotechnology.
About
This is a speculative design concept that proposes a future-oriented solution for performing Chhath Puja in Delhi, India while addressing the challenges posed by the polluted Yamuna River. Looking at the water systems around us, The River Yamuna plays a key role in being the central water body to various different communities in India, holding value to culture, livelihood and several habitats. Zooming in on the cultural lens and incorporating genome editing and biomimicry, this concept envisions the cultivation of genetically enhanced lily pads that serve as water-holding decks for Chhath Puja rituals - a practice performed by devotees with their feet in a holy riverbody. This approach not only provides a safe and immersive environment for devotees but also promotes environmental revitalization and sustainable practices dependent on the review prompting a more sustainable cycle. .
.png)
THE VISION
WELCLilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse Lilyverse
.jpg)
Design Concept:
The core concept revolves around genetically enhancing the lily pad’s size and strength through genome editing techniques. By modifying their genes, the lily pads can grow larger and more resilient, creating stable and spacious platforms for Chhath Puja rituals. These genetically enhanced lily pads will be cultivated and harvested by the local farmer community residing on the Yamuna beds, fostering their involvement in sustainable practices.
Community lens:
Sustainable Fabric Production:
This concept as a system envisions a holistic future by inviting a better relationship between the human life and the river by harnessing the potential of harvested lily pads. Once the Chhath Puja rituals are concluded, the lily pads will be responsibly harvested by the farmer community.
The harvested lily pads will then undergo a viable process to extract fibers from them, which can be used to produce eco-friendly fabrics. This initiative aims to promote a shift away from fast fashion and foster a circular economy by utilizing local resources and reducing environmental harm.
.jpg)
Biomimicry and Futuristic Platforms:
Inspired by the structure of real lily pads, these futuristic platforms replicate their design structures of pads for strength. The biomimicry approach ensures that the platforms blend seamlessly with the natural environment and create a serene ambiance for Chhath Puja. The platforms are designed to be spacious enough for a person, stable, and safe, enabling devotees to perform rituals comfortably without the hindrance of toxic foam or standing in polluted water.
.jpg)
Community Empowerment and Awareness:
The system emphasizes community engagement and empowerment of culturally prevalent current practice of Pooja/ritual. The involvement of the local farmer community in cultivating and harvesting the lily pads promotes sustainable livelihoods and strengthens their connection to the Yamuna River. Educational programs and awareness campaigns will be organized to highlight the importance of environmental conservation, sustainable practices, and the detrimental effects of pollution caused by the fast fashion industry.
.png)
Design Concept:
The core concept revolves around genetically enhancing the lily pad’s size and strength through genome editing techniques. By modifying their genes, the lily pads can grow larger and more resilient, creating stable and spacious platforms for Chhath Puja rituals. These genetically enhanced lily pads will be cultivated and harvested by the local farmer community residing on the Yamuna beds, fostering their involvement in sustainable practices.
Team
Aayushi
Research, ideation, concept, sketches.
Isha
Research, ideation, concept, sketches.
Asna
Research, ideation, concept, sketches.
Saksham
Final design concept visual.