Bio Sculpture

2023/1/18 13:502024/7/24 9:32

Hiroya Tanaka Lab + METACITY

Bio Sculpture, 2021

Bio Sculpture is an art project by the Hiroya Tanaka Lab at Keio University SFC and METACITY, exploring the theme of "Technology for Multi-species" in the Anthropocene. By opening the scientific and technological advancements developed by humanity to natural ecosystems, this project seeks to explore potential forms of technology and unlock the latent potential of natural environments. It presents sculptural works directed towards the natural environment, using materials that can be considered seeds of ecosystems. In the midst of a metropolis where the importance and difficulty of creating nature is often overlooked, the project encourages people to observe nature from a macroscopic perspective. This project marks the first time a Japanese group has won the Social Impact Award in the Art Division at the 25th Japan Media Arts Festival.

The project employs a uniquely developed large-scale winch-type 3D printer capable of extending to 30 meters, which extrudes soil to create unconventional soil structures based on coral reef growth algorithms. These structures incorporate internal folds, increasing surface area per unit volume and creating moisture-retentive configurations. The soil used combines four natural materials: red soil, black soil, akadama soil, and rice husks. The surface is inhabited by nine different species of moss, each with distinct characteristics, arranged based on sunlight simulations to autonomously regulate temperature, humidity, CO2, and air pollution.

Additionally, fragments of forest soil are transplanted into the structure, visualizing their latent potential in a new environment. Through sensing technology, the project monitors long-term changes in the microbial community, various ecological parameters, and soil composition. Even after the conclusion of the art festival in Kitakyushu, the work remains installed near the exhibition venue, continuing to interact with its surroundings.

《Bio Sculpture》は、人新世における「Technology for Multi-species」の探求をテーマとする慶応義塾大学SFC田中浩也研究室とMETACITYによるアートプロジェクトである。人類が発展させてきた科学技術を自然生態系へと開くことで、技術のありえる形を探求し、自然環境の潜在力を引き出すことを試みる。生態系の種ともいえる素材を用いた自然環境に向けた彫刻作品を発表し、自然の重要性とそれを作り出す難しさを見失いがちな大都市の中で、人々に巨視的な視点で自然を見守ることを促す。第25回メディア芸術祭アート部門ソーシャルインパクト賞を日本人グループとして初受賞。

土を射出する30m角に延伸可能な独自開発の巨大なウィンチ型3Dプリンターを用いて、サンゴ礁の成長アルゴリズムから内部にひだ構造を付加して通常では存在しえない土構造を作り出し、単位体積あたりの表面積を増やし保湿構造を作り出した。土には、赤土、黒土、赤玉土、籾殻の4つの自然素材を組み合わせている。この表面には特性の異なる9種類のコケが共生している。これらが温度、湿度、CO2、大気汚染などを自律的に調整するよう日照シミュレーションを元に配置している。

また、土壌成分の一部（森のかけら）を内部に移植し、新たな環境下でその潜在力を可視化しつつ、センシング技術によって微生物相や各種生態パラメータ、さらには土の成分などが長期的にどのように変化していくのかもモニターしている。本作品は北九州市の芸術祭終了後も、展示されていた会場付近に現在も設置されている。

Simulation of moss distribution according to the amount of sunlight

Caption

Hiroya Tanaka Lab + METACITY, Bio Sculpture, 2021

Soil injection type 3D printer capable of 30m extension “NIWA”, 3D-printed soil (mixed with red clay, black clay, akadama, and rice husks), Aluminum boards, Sensors

Dimensions variable

Editions / Versions

Bio Sculpture

Bio Sculpture (Scene of a Future Portable Lab)

Bio Sculpture (Scene of a Future Boutique)

Award

Social Impact Award (Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Award) at the Art Division of the 25th Japan Media Arts Festival (Japan, 2022)

Finalist and Public Award of the WIRED Creative Hack Award 2021 (Japan, 2021)