Yerva
Yerva is a lighting project that merges sustainable technology, poetic interaction, and ambient design. Conceived as both a reading and atmospheric lamp, Yerva explores the untapped potential of energy generated by living systems — specifically through Plant Microbial Fuel Cell (PMFC) technology.
At its core, Yerva is powered by the natural metabolic activity of soil microbes surrounding plant roots. These microbes release electrons as they break down organic matter; Yerva captures this invisible energy through an internal mesh structure that maximizes surface contact with the soil. The result is a self-sufficient, off-grid power source, capable of producing a soft, continuous glow without relying on conventional electricity. The lamp consists of two modular parts: a vertical base that houses the energy system and supports plant life, and a removable light unit that charges through direct contact. The portable upper module balances mobility and stability, allowing users to detach and use it as needed — for reading, ambient light, or quiet nighttime rituals.
Formally, Yerva embraces a minimal yet organic language, reflecting its symbiosis with the natural world. Its geometry is carefully designed to optimize photosynthesis and energy production, while its soft lighting output encourages a slower, more mindful pace of living. It is as much an object of quiet reflection as it is a functional product. More than just a lamp, Yerva is a statement on emotional sustainability and ecological intimacy. It redefines the relationship between user and object — not as a passive interaction, but as a coexistence. In a time of climate anxiety and energy overconsumption, Yerva offers a poetic alternative: a world where nature, technology, and design collaborate in balance. The project received multiple recognitions, including first place in the Living category at Agorà Design, the Community Award at Isola Design District, and selection for “The Narrative Object” by Istituto Marangoni and Giulio Cappellini. It was exhibited during Milan Design Week 2022 as part of the Explore Cappellini Multiverse showcase.
