Concept and Workflow

A living bioreactor panel that produces music is a fascinating concept that merges biology, technology, and art. This innovative system features transparent bioreactor panels filled with algae that respond dynamically to environmental changes such as sunlight, pH levels, and temperature. These responses are captured as bio-signals and then translated into sound frequencies, creating a symphony that reflects the living conditions of the algae.

For instance, during a bright sunny day, the panels might generate higher-pitched, lively sounds as the algae become more active, photosynthesizing at peak levels. As temperatures drop or pH levels fluctuate, the music shifts, introducing deeper or more nuanced tones, offering a real-time, ever-changing auditory experience. The facade doesn’t just produce music; it becomes a living orchestra, constantly composing melodies in harmony with its environment.

This idea isn’t entirely without precedent. Projects like the Singing Plants of Damanhur and Data Garden’s Midi Sprout have demonstrated that plants and other organisms can produce bioelectric signals that, when translated, create music. Similarly, this bioreactor facade turns the unseen rhythms of nature into a tangible and immersive art form, transforming a building into a breathing, singing entity.

Concept and Workflow

Simulating the Algae Panels: Translating Environment to Music

To simulate the functionality of algae panels without using actual algae, we can use sensors to represent the environmental factors that algae respond to:

  1. Light Intensity: Use an LDR (Light Dependent Resistor) to measure changes in light.
  2. pH Levels: Simulate pH variability with a potentiometer or a dedicated pH sensor.
  3. Temperature: Incorporate a DHT11 sensor to detect temperature changes.

These sensors provide real-time data, mimicking the inputs algae would naturally respond to in their environment. The collected sensor data can be processed to control a buzzer, translating environmental changes into sound frequencies. For example:

  • Higher light intensity could result in a higher-pitched tone.
  • Varying pH levels might adjust the tone’s modulation.
  • Temperature shifts could alter the tempo or rhythm of the sounds.

This setup effectively replicates the concept of algae panels creating a symphony, demonstrating how environmental dynamics can inspire music.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM

BILL OF MATERIALS

RENDER

Algae wall panel in an interactive space

Video