Arabidopsis Symphony

The lab rat among plants

Discover the lively inner world of the ‘Arabidopsis Thaliana’ — an inconspicuous plant that occurs all around the world, but grows and develops differently due to local climate, weather, and soil conditions. Through complex adaptations in genes and hormones, the Arabidopsis Thaliana directly responds to changes in its environment (day or night, rain or sunshine). For this reason, it has become the ‘lab rat’ among plants.

From a plant’s perspective

In Arabidopsis Symphony, these invisible growth processes are translated into an immersive experience that tells us: plants are not that different from humans after all — we are all part of the same system. The installation is based on real-time, location-based data that is translated into augmented reality and music. Walk through a field of human-sized plants and witness — both in image and sound — how real environmental changes directly influence their growth. Are you visiting on a sunny morning or a drizzly afternoon? The experience is unique every time and everywhere. Come back again the next day, and discover a new composition. At the basis of Arabidopsis Symphony lies extensive scientific research by Sander van der Krol from Wageningen University & Research, who meticulously monitors everything that happens inside his Arabidopsis Thaliana plants. Sander collects all this data in complicated Excel sheets that only plant physiologists can understand. Thanks to this collaboration with Fillip Studios, everyone can now gain insight into the inner life of plants.

Additional dates & locations

Thanks to Eindhoven Design District, Arabidopsis Symphony will stay at the Wilhelminaplein in Eindhoven until 11 February 2023, which means you’ll have many opportunities to experience the installation in different circumstances. Meanwhile, the project’s traveling satellite is always looking for new environments and new melodies. After visiting Vienna and Atlanta (September & October), it will be on show in Anchorage (Alaska, USA) from February to August 2023 (Anchorage Design Week). Keep an eye on our website and social channels for further announcements. Arabidopsis Symphony at DDW is supported by Gemeente Arnhem and Eindhoven Design District, with special thanks to Gemeente Eindhoven and the friendly residents around Wilhelminaplein. The international dates & locations are made possible by a.o. World Design Weeks and Creative Industries Fund NL.