BIOLUMINESCENCE
The Experience of Fish Swimming through the Bioluminescent Plankton
Spring 2023
Course: Biophilic Experiences
Instructors: Gal Nissim + Leslie Ruckman
Partner: Mary Mark
Introduction
Bioluminescence is the light produced by a chemical reaction within living organisms. Species exhibiting bioluminescence include fish, bacteria, jellyfish, plankton, fireflies, fungi, and more. Light is utilized for activities such as hunting prey, defending against predators, finding mates, and executing other vital functions.
Bioluminescent plankton are single-celled organisms found all over the world. The light emitted by them results from chemical reactions induced by mechanical stress, and they employ light as a defense mechanism.
In our project, we aim to recreate the enchantment of "sea sparkles" through an installation. We will endeavor to imagine and convey the experience of fish swimming amidst bioluminescent plankton.
figure 1 - installation sketch
Implementation
We discovered a closet space within the exhibition room, and the area becomes quite dark when the panels are closed. Hence, there was no need to borrow blankets to block sunlight. We brought an aroma diffuser and a speaker to enhance the multi-sensory experiences for the audience. The diffuser emitted the scent of the fresh ocean, while the sound of the deep ocean played through the speaker. Audiences were invited to enter the closet one by one to experience the installation.
As each person entered, the optical fibers on their head would light up, creating a simulation of the bioluminescent effect produced by ocean plankton. The light source for the optical fibers was an iPad, which mirrored the screen of a laptop. The laptop was connected to an Arduino with an 8x8 time-of-flight sensor, sensing the location of the audience in the pre-mapped area within the closet. Through this installation, we aimed to provide the audience with an immersive experience, allowing them to feel like fish swimming amidst bioluminescent plankton.
figure 2 - installation
video 1 - experience
video 2 - sensor reads p5.js through serial communication, mirrored to iPad