A wondrous greenhouse will display plants and flowers that could grow in the cities of tomorrow.
Through this unique concept of plant luminescence at the frontier between art and science, plants magically light up in the dark. This technology does not use any genetic modification. It is an eco-responsible, biodegradable nutrient serum that is absorbed by the plant’s sap to reveal the veins of the petals and leaves under black light. Their light effects range from violet to blue/green, enhancing the beauty of the vegetation.
Aglaé has developed a biotechnology – without GNA – that allows real plants to glow in the dark. This is made possible through an eco-friendly and biodegradable serum that reveals stunning veins and patterns, usually invisible to the naked eye, when exposed to a black light. Inspired by natural bioluminescence, this innovative process positions Aglaé, who is an international pioneer at the intersection of botany, art and scientific research.
Designed as a sensory and contemplative experience, “The Wonderful Greenhouse” is a geodesic dome where light, textures, living plants, and natural sounds come together in an educational and enchanting setting. An augmented reality experience has also been specially created for younger visitors (ages 6–12), offering a playful and educational dive into a magical world guided by the mascot “LUCIA the Firefly”!
The installation will include root plants and stabilised vegetation. Rooted plants include ferns, chlorophytum, palm, cypress and an olive tree for the centrepiece. Stabilised plants include amaranth, forest moss, tillandsia (air plants) and many others.
At any time during the exhibition, the dome and its surrounding outdoor space can be privatised for private concerts, cocktail parties, adventure trails, or other extraordinary events. The offer is especially suited for companies, but is also open to individuals. For bookings, please contact the Aglaé team at: [email protected]
The Aglaé agency, founded by Sophie Hombert, specialises in plant design and has developed a unique process for making plants naturally luminescent using a nutrient serum.
This luminescence offers an environmentally-friendly alternative to electric lighting. Aglaé offers made-to-measure creations for a variety of sectors, including events, interior decoration and landscaping.
The Aglaé team is made up of designers and scientists who work together to develop innovative solutions. The agency is committed to an eco-responsible approach, using an eco-designed serum that is not harmful to the environment.
Sophie Hombert is the founder of Aglaé, an innovative start-up specialising in luminescent plants. Born into a Normandy family, she developed a passion for nature from an early age. After studying design in Paris, she felt the need to return to a greener environment.
During her studies, Sophie wrote a dissertation entitled ‘La Domestication du Végétal’, which was subsequently published. It was during this time that she came up with the concept of luminescent plants, aiming to give plants back their rightful place by giving them a utilitarian role thanks to luminescence.
In 2016, she founded Aglaé in Chartres, where she developed a biosourced and biodegradable nutrient serum enabling plants to become luminescent. This innovation offers an environmentally-friendly alternative to traditional urban lighting, by integrating plant bioluminescence into public spaces.
Sophie Hombert is renowned for her avant-garde vision and commitment to the ecological transition, integrating plant bioluminescence into sustainable urban development.
Accompanied by a passionate team, she has surrounded herself with creative people (Laura Brossard, project manager – Nahémie Defraeye, scenographic designer – Alicia Thiou, junior project manager – Sergio Daconceicao, production manager) and specialist engineers (Adam Thomas, engineer and R&D project manager), combining technical expertise and artistic flair to develop innovative solutions, while pushing back the boundaries of luminescent plants in large-scale projects.
