The installation features two undulating walls with ripple-like geometry inspired by natural hydrodynamic forms such as river eddies and spiral ocean currents.12 Constructed from plant sugar-based PLA (polylactic acid), which generates 80% less carbon than petroleum plastics and is industrially compostable, the structure exemplifies Mamou-Mani's commitment to sustainable design.32 The modules were fabricated locally at the architect's London studio and cleverly repurposed from previous installations, demonstrating a circular approach to design.12

Harmonic Tides creates an immersive sensory experience through its thoughtful integration of light and sound. LED lighting responds to wave patterns, evoking underwater landscapes, while gentle music enhances the serene atmosphere.32 "Harmonic Tides explores the structuring principles of water and the universality of flows, celebrating the constant transformation and interconnectedness of natural systems," explains Mamou-Mani.3 The installation won the Shaping Water Competition organized by Dezeen in collaboration with Villeroy & Boch and Ideal Standard, earning the architect a £5,000 prize and a £15,000 budget to realize the design.31

Bioplastic 3D printing predominantly employs three main techniques: material extrusion methods, inkjet 3D printing, and 3D spinning. The most widely used approach is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)/Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), where bioplastic filament is fed through a heated nozzle that melts the material before depositing it layer by layer to create three-dimensional objects based on digital designs.12 This method is particularly popular because it allows bioplastics to be effectively mixed with other materials and is compatible with equipment used for conventional plastics, making it more economical.1

While bioplastic 3D printing offers significant environmental advantages, it faces challenges including the difficulty of producing thin filaments due to die swell (a defect occurring when viscous materials are extruded through small-diameter nozzles).13 Researchers are addressing these limitations by developing specialized formulations such as curable PHB resin and photocrosslinkable PLLA for specific printing methods, as well as incorporating nanomaterials like nanocellulose to enhance thermal and mechanical properties.1 These innovations are expanding the applications of bioplastic 3D printing across diverse sectors including architecture, construction, pharmaceutical, and biomedical industries.3

LED wave patterns create dynamic visual effects through synchronized light sequences that mimic flowing water or rippling movements. These effects can be achieved through various methods, including analog circuitry with operational amplifiers that create smooth dimming and wave transitions without digital modulation1, or microcontroller-based systems that respond to motion or sound. Motion-reactive LED implementations use sensors like gyroscopes to detect movement and trigger corresponding animations, as seen in surfboards that display different light patterns based on turns and wave riding2.

For interactive installations like Harmonic Tides, LED systems can be programmed to respond to environmental inputs or predetermined sequences. These can range from simple wave-like animations where lights move sequentially across a strip3 to complex sound-reactive displays that visualize music rhythm through color patterns4. Implementation options include using Arduino microcontrollers with addressable LED strips (like WS2812B), programming synchronized pulse patterns with timing buffers5, or creating fully analog systems for installations requiring smooth, natural-looking transitions without digital artifacts1. The integration of these responsive lighting elements enhances immersive experiences by adding a dynamic, fluid dimension to static structures.