Into the Media Woods

The media structure "Into The Media Woods" provides light for the native flora to grow, for humans to see while reducing the impact of light pollution on wildlife. Architecture does not have to be something static anymore. It can be interactive and temporary and capable of shifting quickly to address different problems or needs by incorporating media into architecture. "Into The Media Woods" are media tree structures placed in the Botanical Garden in Brisbane, Australia. The media trees provide specific light arrangement, depending on the flora around the trees, time of the day, and season. Blue and red light, mixed with ultraviolet (UV) radiation, transforms the installation into a multicoloured picturesque scene when activated. The "light recipe" helps plants to grow better by lengthening sunlight hours. Mixtures of specific types of UV radiation trigger the plant's internal mechanisms to increase productivity. Besides, it enhances the plants' capability to protect themselves against pests and disease. This clean option could help decrease the need for chemicals, which are expensive, time-consuming to develop and harmful to the environment. The project aims to unlock the plant's capability to grow with a programmable "light recipe" without penalty. Visitors of the park activate the light-structures through a WIFI connection between the trees and mobile phones. Therefore, the tree-light has a much lower impact on wildlife in the park. The simplistic interaction allows park visitors to reconnect with nature as they experience an immediate reaction to their presence. I developed a media architecture installation (inspired by Daan Roosegaarde's artwork GROW) that questions urban space's understanding and the separation between design, nature, and humans. "Into The Media Woods" explores and recognises new ways to appreciate our broader ecological relationships with plants, animals, and the environment in an urban context.