Where Interactive Art, Technology, and Ecology Intersect

nZwarm aimed to blend art, technology, and sustainability to raise awareness of fragile marine ecosystems while sparking interest in STEAM disciplines.

nZwarm used a network of approximately 800 submerged Philips Hue Lights to create a mesmerizing, bioluminescence-inspired display. A custom-built, cross-platform HTML5 web application allowed visitors to interact with the installation in real-time, influencing patterns and simulating an ecosystem to demonstrate the impact of human actions on the delicate balance of the natural world. The project involved careful engineering to ensure the safe underwater deployment of the lights and the system development to visually represent simulated ecosystem dynamics.

nZwarm's technical implementation, artistic beauty, and focus on public engagement led to its inclusion in the prestigious LUX Light Festival in Wellington, New Zealand. It became a popular attraction at the festival, drawing significant interest from visitors. Beyond visual spectacle, nZwarm aimed to inspire thought about the delicate balance of the natural world and the role technology can play in fostering awareness and empathy. The project was made possible through a collaboration between the Augmented Human Lab (AHL), the Architecture and Sustainable Design department at the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), Philips Lighting, and the Goethe Institut.