event
Synthux Hackathon 2023

photosynthesis

An interactive plant that challenges the disconnect between nature and technology.
MaxMSP
Arduino
Light sensor
prompt
A habitat for coexistence
category
Sound art

Coaches & collaborators

institute
Colorado University, ATLAS institute
Photosynthesis reminds us to create balance in our working habitat. Remember to enjoy the simple beauty of life by having this planter displayed by your side. Introduce a more vibrant ambiance to your workspace, and relax with its soothing sounds. If your mood changes, don’t let the music stop playing! Adjust the position of your plant, and in response, the music shifts to a new melody. Don’t forget to take a break too! Every twenty minutes, a gong strikes and the music fades away, reminding you to avert your eyes from the blue screen in front of you; appreciate the blue sky outside instead.
No items found.
the tech

How does it work?

When a person shifts the plant’s position across the surface of the stand, light sensors hidden below sense this change and report it to the connected Arduino. The Arduino then passes this information along its roots to the source of the ambient music, a computer generated algorithm written in Max MSP. Not only is the synth affected by the alteration of the plant, the drums also kick into high tempo, revitalizing the melody with a new energy. A timer counts down the minutes until the gong will ring, resetting the synth as it fades away, incentivizing you to mentally reset too.
Open source code
Click here to grab this project's code
MaxMSP
Visual programming language for music and multimedia
Arduino
Light sensor
A light sensor detects light in its proximity
About the instrument
we're using cookies to run our site. privacy policy.