Trilife is a lighting installation where identical modules connect and communicate with their neighbors to create an emerging pattern. Each module connects to three neighbors, and if you get enough modules together, large-scale spirals appear even though there is no centralized control. Randomness comes from temperature fluctuations, meaning the pattern changes each time the array is powered up. Here’s a video of a Trilife array where each module has been soldered by a different student in a learn-to-solder workshop:
The modules above are fitted with a paper diffuser (printable paper folding pattern given at the link above, along with design and programming files). In a later collaboration with FirstBuild, we came up with these molded plastic covers for a more robust design:
Here, the red LEDs were switched out for white ones. The diffusers were vacuum formed and die cut. They were beautiful and longer lasting than paper diffusers for a long-term installation.
However, one thing I had liked about the paper was its resemblance to natural objects like a wasp nest or bird nest. All are lightweight objects that follow a general pattern, but grow based on individual decisions about where to put the next element. For a portable or temporary installation I think a pop-up fabric light diffuser would be the best of both worlds.