samuel wilkinson: biome terrarium samuel wilkinson: biome terrarium
nov 09, 2011

samuel wilkinson: biome terrarium

climate conditions in samuel wilkinson’s ‘biome’ terrarium are controlled via smartphone or iPad

the work of london-based designer samuel wilkinson, ‘biome’ is a flora terrarium whose climate conditions, water level, and nutrients are controlled via an application for smartphones and iPads. low-energy lighting built into the top of the terrarium can replicate sunlight, while the temperature and other conditions are likewise viewable and manipulatable via the application.

wilkinson likens the device to a ‘live tamagotchi’, reflecting:

‘the idea promotes ‘digital downtime’ by finding an alternative use for smartphones and encouraging their owners to consider a slower life. the control and nurturing of a real mini eco-system takes patience and care, contrasting with the immediacy of messaging or tweeting that is so characteristic of the smartphone generation.‘

view of the device in use

the terrarium features a low-energy lighting system capable of replicating sunlight

3/4 top view

detail view

conceptual drawing

digital rendering of the biome

jenny filippetti I designboom
nov 09, 2011

  • This is soo cool. I have such a brown thumb. This is just what I need.

    Connie @ Daydream In Color says:
    Nov 09, 2011

  • hows does the ipad collect the data?

    Alex Levin says:
    Nov 09, 2011

  • What a terrible idea, go and grow and mo itor your plants without your iphone or ipad…

    Plus what happens when the plants outgrow this thing – actually it already looks like they are in the picture.

    Not a great design im afraid on lots of levels, it all feels a bit studenty too.

    designer says:
    Nov 09, 2011

  • @Designer,

    Not only does it embrace our up and go lifestyle, in which most work oriented people don’t have the time to ‘monitor and grow’ plants (most indoor plants are sensitive to where they are placed in a room).

    This design not only overcomes this barrier but gives the opportunity for us to see how technology can be used in other perspectives.

    Open your mind. That is why people are so eager to grab young designers because of their ‘studenty’ nature, they are not as narrow minded as you.

    A says:
    Nov 10, 2011

  • I really like the concept!

    Have you considered integrating it with some form of social platform? Perhaps that would allow you to compare the prosperity of your plant with those of your friends? It could also provide a useful source for sharing related information between like-mind people…

    J says:
    Nov 10, 2011

  • I think this Idea is not bad.
    But makes me sad, because if we continuous destroying our planet, this will be the only way how we’ll enjoy the nature in the near future.

    ;-(

    Jim says:
    Nov 11, 2011

  • If this were supported on the android OS, I’d want it for Christmas. Please, please, please create an android version!!

    Purrpussful says:
    Nov 12, 2011

  • @A
    to grow similar plants at home there’s no needing to set-up such a device, you just have to put water from time to time and have the pot in the right position for receiving light.
    About the use of this technology in perspetctive, uhm… i would say it’s quite retrospective. In intensive gardening or in greenhouses this technology exist from 20 years…
    I think it’s just a show-off of this nice designed bowl, and nice designed i-pad.

    fifi says:
    Nov 12, 2011

  • How much does it cost?!? šŸ™‚

    Gangpae says:
    Nov 13, 2011

  • Great design and nice choice/arrangement of plant species. I am really interested in this idea of technology and natureā€¦ Some fish (koi) swimming around the outer rim if filled with water I think would be the icing on the cake. And the App recording fish feed quantities etc. this would be the ultimate Vivarium. Great work!

    cleeef says:
    Nov 14, 2011

  • Grow the plants in a terrarium, you wouldn’t have to check the plants at all. Only there would be no use of technology there!

    au natural says:
    Nov 14, 2011

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