The Emphatyphyte project, developed at SWPS University, is an interactive art installation that explores the relationship between humans and vegetation through the use of a responsive plant setup. The central component of the installation is a Tillandsia duratii, an enormous tangle plant, which serves as the 'actress' in this unique interaction.

Concept and Objective

The primary aim of Emphatyphyte is to investigate why treatment vegetation is a subject of fascination and what responses it can elicit from human interaction. This project draws inspiration from Charles Darwin's research on plant movement and human mood reflexes.

Installation Design

• Plant Display: The Tillandsia duratii is housed within a black rectangular prism, providing a controlled environment for interaction.

• Interactive Element: The plant's movements are influenced by the proximity and position of the viewers. This is achieved through sensors and mechanisms that respond to the viewers' presence.

• Emotional Response: The plant also exhibits movements based on the emotional state of the observers, capturing and reflecting human emotions in a botanical context.

Execution and Technology

The installation employs advanced sensor technology and algorithms to detect viewer positions and emotional states. These inputs are then translated into movements of the Tillandsia duratii, creating a dynamic interaction that blurs the line between plant and human behavior.

Outcomes and Observations

• Viewer Engagement: The installation successfully drew viewers into a contemplative state, prompting them to consider the sentient-like responses of the plant.

• Emotional Impact: Participants reported feeling a unique connection with the plant, attributing human-like qualities to its movements.

• Scientific Insight: The project provided insights into how plants can be used in interactive art to evoke emotional responses and highlighted the potential for further research into plant behavior and human-plant interactions.

Conclusion

Emphatyphyte stands as a significant contribution to the field of interactive art and the study of human-vegetation relationships. By enabling a plant to respond to human presence and emotions, the installation offers a novel perspective on the capabilities of plants and their potential role in emotional and psychological experiences.

References

For further details and visual representation, the project's video can be accessed in here - Empatyphyte Video