SymbioDome

The SymbioDome is a portable, dome-shaped multimedia installation that serves as both a projection screen and an interactive environmental sensor. It is primarily designed as a community engagement tool to fosters deeper understanding and appreciation of local ecosystems.

The SymbioDome ougth to be constructed from sustainable materials such as bamboo and fabric, its main structure being a 2V lightweight and portable geodesic, allowing it to be set up in various locations.

The dome serves as a canvas for multimedia projections, with custom live content influenced by real-time sensory data collected from the local environment where it is installed. This way it can stand as a nomadic environmental art installation, as well as a theater performance stage.

By integrating real-time environmental data into the projection (from local flora, funga, fauna, rivers, weather conditions, and other environmental factors), the SymbioDome creates an immersive, interactive experience that changes based on the local environment. This not only provides a unique form of entertainment but also serves as an educational tool, helping communities understand and appreciate the complexity and beauty of their local ecosystems.

Building

Inspired by the Projection Dome (and the Vegas Sphere), the SymbioDome seeks to combine non-linear projection technologies into a simple portable structure. To accomplish this, it will combine spherical mirror projection schemes (pioneered by Paul Bourke) and light-weight natural materials:

Projection Dome's spherical mirror scheme

Dome inspiration with wood and fabric cover built with hubs

Therefore, the financial support received via this grant will be used towards the acquisition of the components necessary for the creation of the first SymbioDome, as well as its debut in public square*. Its cost is roughly estimated as follows (for a structure with 3m of diameter and 1.5m of height):

• Treated bamboo/wood Poles (65 poles): Taking as reference from a "round poles for up to 4m dome kit" let's budget $100
• Fabric Covering: total area of 13.12m2 * Average cost of $8 per square meter. Total: $100
• Connectors (26 connectors): Hub's Connectors are amazing. 2v kit for £139.00. Approximately $175 + unknown shipping + customs cost. Let's budget $200.
• 26" Diameter Half Dome Mirror: In Brazil, found for approximately $150.
• Projector: $2500 for a low end short-throw laser projector.
• Sensors and Data Integration: Let's budget $1000 for at least a duplicate of the current sensor setup at the lab, including worked hours.
• Fabric Designer/seamstress: Average rate of $20 per hour and 30 hours of work, as quoted. Total: $600.
• Miscellaneous Supplies (rope, tools, waterproofing, etc.): Let's budget $200.
• Transportation and Setup for a first installation: Let's budget $200.

Total approximate cost of $5000.

The SymbioDome debut would happen in the public square of the city of Morretes-PR (Brazil), by the Nhundiaquara river (photo below). This is so because of Sympoiesis' on-going engagement with the city's local challenges, especially the fight against a devastating railroad project that threatens the pristine biodiversity of the region (the largest continous of Atlantic rainforest on the planet).

Thus fas, our efforts in the region have orbited the idea of serving local non-human entities as channels for their expression in face of this threat. This has culminated in the creation of a short film (based on theater activites with the local community) and the development of an AI avatar for a local river called "Rio Sagrado" (Sacred River).

Further instances of the SymbioDome could be deployed in different cities's public squares and/or institutions (schools, museums, etc), conditional to contextual opportunities. Besides, the blueprints of the SymbioDome will be made public so anyone can replicate it anywhere.

AIvatars

Our recent experimentations with generative AI (especially LLM) as a medium for other-than-human expression has revealed a great potential to shift how we humans perceive and relate to these entities, especially in the context of the Rights of Nature movement. And during Zuzalu Sympoiesis' members have helped craft LLM avatars for non-human entities. Such work is evolving and soon the first sensing avatars will be born. And the SymbioDome is also being conceived as a body for the public summoning of these cybernatural entities. Imagine walking into a public square and talking to one of the trees there via a dome whose skins changes as the tree answers to your questions.

Sympoiesis

The SymbioDome is more than just a projection dome; it's a tool for sympoiesis (a term coined by biologist Lynn Margulis to describe the natural process of 'making-with'). It's about interspecies collaboration and symbiotic relationships. It's about creating shared experiences that reflect the interconnectedness of all life.

In line with the goals of the Sympoiesis endeavor, the SymbioDome aims to foster a sense of stewardship and respect for the environment. By bringing people closer to their own nature via digital means, it seeks to encourage reflections on current shoot and collapse cultural human trends and promote regenerative behaviors towards a more harmonious relationship between humans and the more-than-human.