Within the lobby of British Land’s 20 Triton Street in Regent's Place, 293 digital ‘cells’ cascade across the wall and expand the idea of plants giving feedback to their environment through photosynthesis. An array of plants is discreetly ‘observed’, and their invisible biological processes are captured and relayed as an oscillating language of light and numbers.

The first of the Bruges’ work to directly incorporate living materials, Variegation Index is an exploration of the link between technology, nature and wellbeing. The artwork measures live photosynthesis activity and translates the data into an artistic media canvas. Taking inspiration from NDVI cameras, a specialised system that farmers use to monitor the health of their crops, a combination of infrared and RGB image capture is used to measure chlorophyll levels within the leaves of nearby plants. Patterns of light and numbers signify the transfer of energy and nutrients in the leaves. A vivid, fast display in bright daylight is contrasted with a dim, slower modulation during grey spells and night time. Viewing the artwork from an oblique angle, a numerical reading from 1 to 9 is also visible within each cell indicating the rate of photosynthesis activity that is occurring in real-time. Variegation Index represents Bruges’ interest in the dichotomous relationship between urban life and the natural world. Revealing normally invisible biological processes, the artwork relys on nature’s rhythms to breathe life into the lobby. Using biomimicry to increase the permeability between outside and inside, the artwork disrupts the boundary between public space and private space to establish a more welcoming environment. It revitalises the lobby at 20 Triton Street by using technology and biofeedback from plants as a tool to reconnect people with nature.

https://vimeo.com/398262312

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Details

Building or project owner : British Land

Project artist/ concept/ design/ planning : Jason Bruges Studio

Descriptions

Participatory architecture & urban interaction

Mediacredits

Jason Bruges Studio

Jason Bruges Studio

Jason Bruges Studio

Jason Bruges Studio

Jason Bruges Studio