Epiphytes, such as orchids and mosses, do not merely survive; they thrive in spaces where others might struggle, drawing nourishment from the air, rain, and the remnants of the world around them.
This natural wisdom—the ability to flourish without depletion—is the conceptual backbone of EPIPH-BYTES.
In this installation, technology becomes a quiet partner to nature, not an intruder. Digital elements like sensors, lights, and sounds are woven seamlessly into the organic fabric of the space, responding to the subtle cues of human presence.
As visitors engage with the installation, they become part of an ever-changing landscape, where every interaction is a moment of potential revelation — a modern epiphany.
EPIPH-BYTES challenges the conventional dichotomy between the digital and the natural, instead presenting them as interdependent forces that, when harmonized, reveal the profound beauty of our interconnected existence.
Through this experience, visitors are invited to contemplate how we, like epiphytes, might learn to live more harmoniously with the world around us—drawing strength from our surroundings while contributing to the ecosystem we inhabit.
On a macro-level, the particle and animation system of the osc-router is designed to visually represent the plant's interactions and reactions through an LED strip.
Particles, symbolizing the plant's search for nutrients, continuously move from the base to the end of the LED strip, leaving behind a trail of pheromones that change color over time. Food randomly appears on the strip, and when particles encounter it, they redirect to carry it back to the base.
The system also responds to human interaction: proximity triggers a gradual change in LED color from blue to light blue, while touch causes all particles to retreat to the base, turning the strip red. If the touch is released in time, the system can revert to its original state; otherwise, the red lights flicker before the plant eventually regenerates, resuming the particle movement.
TERRARIUMS
On a micro level, the self-sustaining ecosystems within the terrariums, paired with metallic sculptures, embody the balance of life and technology. These micro-universes reflect the broader narrative of our project, highlighting the fusion of organic life and technological elements.
Incorporating real, living elements like moss and studying plant stress responses further emphasized our dedication to sustainability and ecological principles. These self-sustaining ecosystems within the terrariums represent the delicate balance within nature, reflecting the broader narrative of our project.
BIRD-VIEW PERSPECTIVE
From a bird's-eye perspective, a point cloud system scans and visualizes the participant's interactions within the entire installation, integrating the audience as part of the organism. This perspective emphasizes that we, too, are part of this living system, interacting and coexisting within it.
Together, these macro and micro elements create a cohesive narrative that illustrates the harmonious integration of natural and synthetic worlds.