the ‘digital organism’ merges technology and nature

inspired by complex natural patterns, the dutch groningen-based WERC created a ‘digital organism’, which is to be self-sufficient and be able to survive in a natural environment. consisting of numerous ‘pixies’, the invention grows and develops almost without human input.

all images © WERC

to understand the idea of the installation arranged in a forest, you need step back from observing the behavior of one pixie and see the whole picture. it’s easy to notice the constant interaction of all parts. as long as more organisms are being added to the flock, the behavioral patterns continue to complicate and become more intelligent. 

the invention develops almost without human input

the pixies sleep during the day and wake up at night, once a visitor brings a new pixie lantern. a pixi generates its wooden shape itself — then it is created by a computerised cutter. like all living organisms, pixies have similar characteristics, but on a closer inspection no two pixies are exactly the same.

a pixi generates its wooden shape itself

video © WERC

project info:

WERC team: jelle valk, olav huizer, joachim rümke, and joachim de vries