Open Hertzlab: Plant based Playing

This Open Hertzlab explores the fascinating relationship between living things and human touch by utilizing their natural conductivity.

You can interact with living plants, triggering digital responses through Calliope and Arduino microcontrollers. This hands-on experience blends nature, technology, and art, allowing you to witness the unseen electrical properties of plants in real time. Plants conduct small electrical signals, which can be detected when touched.

Our plant circuit is based on a capacitive touch sensor. When touched, the capacitance changes due to the presence of our body, and this change is detected by the circuit. We will use Calliope and Arduino microcontrollers to control the system. The data is then translated into dynamic visuals or soundscapes, creating an immersive feedback loop between you and the plant.

You are also encouraged to experiment with their own code. With the guidance of our Hertzlab Team, they can modify the interaction logic, adjusting how the plant’s response manifests in TouchDesigner. This open-ended engagement fosters creativity, learning, and personal expression through interactive media.

Come experience the delicate interplay of nature and technology—where a simple touch can breathe digital life into organic forms.

You are welcome to join us - just drop by!

Meeting Point: 2nd floor via Atrium 9 - Access via the Exhibitions