Yingying Fu

Microtherapy explores how living materials can mediate emotional well-being in personal environments. The project began by integrating probiotics and light to create a multi-sensory system that enhances microbial diversity and supports emotional and sleep health. Bioreceptive materials—designed to support the growth of living organisms—allow microbes to interact with their environment in beneficial ways.

The final outcome is a ceramic lamp made from porous Parian infused with the probiotic Bacillus subtilis. This living surface fosters microbial growth and invites sensory engagement through soft, biomorphic forms and ambient lighting inspired by memories of nature. More than a light source, the lamp acts as a therapeutic companion—encouraging calm, reflection, and deeper awareness of invisible ecosystems. Designed for bedrooms and intimate spaces, it promotes emotional resonance and reimagines how microbial life can enrich our everyday rituals.