Pulse
Exploring Hidden Connections

Introduction

Deep underground, a network exists between the roots of each tree, allowing them to share nutrients, energy, and information with each other. When seen from this perspective, we can think of forest as one large living, breathing entity.

Summary

Pulse is an exploration of our connection to nature, often overlooked as we pass through it every day, brought to life by suspending a large LED ring around each tree within a forest. These LED rings allow us to see how each tree is expressing itself in real time through vibrant visualizations of light.

While each tree creates it’s own burst of light as it shares information within the network, the mother tree orchestrates a stable, shared pattern which we can be seen as a pulse of light rippling through-out the forest from her location.

As visitors move through the forest, some of the more sensitive trees will notice, and send out a message to the rest of the forest to let them know someone is nearby, giving visitors the opportunity to stand back and watch the forest breathe beautiful waves of light, or step in, and become part of the installation.

Installation

Illuminite Festival (Toronto, Canada)

15 Pulse Rings spread across two parks created vivid visualizations across the entire canopy as visitors walked below.

The Well (Toronto, Canada)

12 Pulse Rings, positioned in pairs across six symmetrical poles at The Well introduced two layers of light-based interactivity in this beautiful urban environment.