2024's Jeffrey Ahn, Jr. Fellowship winner was Miku Ikeda-McDermott, age 18, from Latymer Upper School in the United Kingdom. Inspired by biomorphic architecture (architecture embracing natural forms) and geometry in nature, Miku proposed to construct a public installation in the form of a 3D geometric flower out of LED rods that would illuminate as viewers approached.

 

Miku's final project, Bloom, was exhibited outdoors at Kindred Studios in London on November 9, 2024. 

 

Excerpt from the exhibition caption:

 

"The rods are carefully placed to give the appearance of a flower, particularly that of a lotus. Produced over the summer, the sculpture contains a lighting sequence that gives the illusion of the sculpture 'blooming.' The installation aims to encourage a greater appreciation of geometry and nature in our everyday lives.

 

"An aspiring architect, Miku believes that incorporating nature into structures could play a large role in helping mitigate the climate crisis. Sustainable architecture not only allows for the reduction of energy consumption in buildings, but also promotes biodiversity. Up to 1 million species are at risk of extinction if this level of environmental degradation continues. This alarming fact fuelled Miku's desire to raise awareness through Bloom.

 

"Biomorphism was also of great interest to Miku-- biomorphic designs encourage relaxation and logical thinking within humans. Her reasoning behind the geometric lotus was its symbolism; lotuses are affiliated with enlightenment and rebirth. With each coming spring comes that same hopefulness for a better and brighter future. Miku paid close attention to detail, combining symmetry, pentagrams, and similar shapes into the exhibition."