Echoes of the Earth
An interactive installation that captures the dynamic and fluid nature of ecosystems | 2024 | Berkeley, CA
Team member: Tian Qin, Chuhua Ding
"Echoes of the Earth" is an interactive art installation that invites viewers to explore the delicate balance between human action and the natural world. Like ripples across a body of water or the shifting dunes beneath the wind, the installation reacts to the gestures of those who engage with it, simulating the undulating rhythms of a living ecosystem. The top surface moves and responds as if reacting to unseen forces, embodying the invisible but ever-present energy flow in nature. The shifting light, sensitive to the room’s temperature, symbolizes how environmental conditions subtly alter ecosystems, reinforcing the interconnectedness between the physical and the organic.
High Level Diagrams
A system architecture diagram will illustrate the components involved in the system, including two Particle Photon 2, STEMMA QT sensors, Socket.io, Dynamixel - 3 servo, Neopixel, and cloud services. It will represent the physical and logical connections between these components, showing how they are linked and communicate within the system.
Detailed Diagrams
A process or sequence diagram will represent how the system operates, detailing the data flow and operations from start to finish. It will show the sequence from data sensing to cue generation, through cloud-based processing, and finally to output delivery. This diagram will provide a clear understanding of how information moves through the system and highlight key operational steps and decision points.
Digital Simulation
We use Grasshopper for pattern design and motion simulation.
Pattern design.
Motion Simulation
Fabrication Process
Material Test
Structure Inside
Gesture Interaction
Cloud Interaction
Prototype Demonstration
Human experiences’ speculation about the digital ecosystem may be related to interactive environments.People speculate that interactive environments will seamlessly integrate technology and spatial design, allowing spaces to adapt dynamically to user behavior and environmental conditions. By leveraging sensors, AI, and responsive materials, these environments would intuitively adjust form, lighting, and function, creating personalized and immersive experiences that enhance how we live and interact with the world.
From the engineering side, cultural expectations shape what we create and how we make it. Some cultures prioritize efficiency and innovation, while others value tradition, sustainability, or craftsmanship. Methods also differ, with some favoring automation and others emphasizing artisanal processes, reflecting unique views on resources, collaboration, and design. It may lead how engineering designed to fit different cultures.
AI plays a central role in digital ecosystems by optimizing processes, analyzing vast data for insights, and enabling predictive capabilities. It personalizes user experiences, automates repetitive tasks, and enhances interconnectivity between systems. Through adaptability and learning, AI allows digital ecosystems to dynamically respond to user needs and environmental changes, making them more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable.