Final Project (LOOMIS) notes from today

L O O M I S
F I N A L P R O J E C T P R O D O

Q U E S T I O N / P R O B L E M

Can we affect a person’s relationship to an object by infusing said object with a living organism? If so, how will this adjust interaction/ what ways can interaction be controlled to produce a specific effect? What is an appropriate effect to produce?

C O N C E P T

Having participated in the BIOMOD workshop with ANGELO VERMEULEN, I would like to continue working in the area of technology and ecology. The concept for the LOOMIS PROJECT is to create an interactive “exoskeleton” to house an algae colony (Chlorophyta). Algae colonies are a low maintenance way to drastically reduce Co2 levels and improve air quality. Algae is also an aesthetically pleasing material to work with, luminescent, semi-transparent and vibrantly green. The “exoskeleton” would serve to create an aesthetically pleasing bio-reactor, its exterior would look semi-organic and plant-like, yet would be made of a series of interwoven transparent acrylic tubes containing an algae colony. The colony would be constantly filtered through and pumped– giving the piece a pulse and thereby making it more lifelike.

I N T E R A C T I O N

This project would be categorized as Activity Centered Design (ACD) rather than User Centered. Since a user has no need to use this object on a daily basis the interaction must be centered around an activity, which is tending to the colony.

Emotions to exploit: responsibility, motherhood, god-complex. Caregiver is to sun as people are to algae, he/she must leave and return, bringing with him/her light, warmth, and comfort.

P O I N T S O F I N T E R A C T I O N

Speech: speaking will affect rate of water aeration. The higher the volume/ tone of what’s being said the more air will be pumped into water. Since aeration helps the colony, speaking to LOOMIS is helping it. A call and response interaction could also work here, where LOOMIS repeats sentences with bubbles. (working…)

Motion: on detection of motion, heaters will warm water, LEDS will illuminate to a warmer hue. Again, algae need a warm environment and so this will reaffirm responsibility for the colony. Stay away too long and the LEDS will illuminate to a colder hue.

E Q U I P M E N T

+-200′ Acrylic Tubing (6 feet tubes)
1 Water Pump
1 Aeration machine with multiple valves
1 motion sensor, 1 mic
1 arduino
RGB LED
Ultraviolet LED (water purification)
Servos/solonoids to control valves
Extra plexiglass for reservoir tank and bracing
100′ aquarium tubing
Algae Chlorophyta
Florescent tube lights
Miracle Grow

P R E C E D E N T S