Judge's comments:

Loved the physical and digital in this project. Saw this as almost a window into what a digital future could be. The idea that we could have a different relationship with our environment on a biological level. It was extremely visceral, emotional and the physical experience was executed to a high level.

Description:

The CyberBio Installation is a prototype for mixed-reality bio-laboratory, exploring radical new ways of creating and interacting with living architecture. The experimental setup aims to nurture a symbiotic relationship between humans and the biomaterial - in this instance biodegradable algae. Various sensors and actuator components are integrated in both the laboratory space and the biomaterial itself. Using the HoloLens 2, this setup allows for cyber-physical interaction with the biomaterial.

The physical structure of the CyberBio Installation is constructed using two sets of PVC greenhouse. They were combined together to form a tunnel structure, creating an enclosed environment to support the growth condition of biomaterial. Multiple actuator components were embedded to regulate interior environmental conditions including panel heater and humidifier modules. They effectively maintained a warm and humid atmosphere within the installation space to aid the maturation of the biomaterial. Overtime, the biomaterial becomes the growth medium for various species of bacteria, allowing natural processes to run their course.