MIT Design Intelligence Lab has designed Geolectric, which explores geopolymers as a sustainable alternative for consumer electronics by combining the rich material experience of ceramics with embedded interaction technologies.

Geolectric advances the use of ceramics through the design of a bespoke interactive lantern that embodies a new sustainable material approach and acts as a symbol of hope.

The Geolectric Lantern was designed as a gift from Hashim Sarkis, Dean of MIT School for Architecture and Planning, to former Irish president Mary Robinson during her 2025 MIT commencement speech.

Inspired by Robison's lamp placed in the window of Áras an Uachtaráin during her presidency, the lantern acts as a beacon and symbol of hope, welcoming immigrants from all over the world to MIT.

The Geolectric design and research were first exhibited at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale and are targeted towards environmentally conscious designers and technologists exploring the intersection of sustainability, material innovation and interactive technologies.

This project has been longlisted in the bespoke design category of Dezeen Awards 2025.

Studio: MIT Design Intelligence Lab
Project: Geolectric