(Super)computing as an Ecosystem of Time

The immersive fulldome installation titled “(Super)computing as an Ecosystem of Time” poses a speculative question: What if (super)computers followed biological patterns of productive time, such as acceleration, peaks, and rest, similar to those found in natural ecosystems, including humans, plants, and other species? Could this lead to healthier production for both human and non-human ecosystems? Could it disrupt the extractive use of technology?

This project explores different plant and  insect species found across Italy and the UK at various times of the year and day, using the metaphor of a garden to reveal its beauty through time with the help of a custom-made computational system.

Visitors are invited to experience a conceptual computational artwork that runs live throughout the day. The appearance and productivity of the installation change based on the time of day, temperature, and sunlight data, emphasising the growing dependency of the digital realm on ecological systems, which are essential for growth and balance.

The installation reflects on the fact that supercomputers can perform tasks at speeds far beyond the capabilities of regular computers, as well as human and non-human abilities. While these powerful tools are important for scientific research, medical advancements, engineering, and analytics, it is crucial to recognize their potential for misuse, the resources they consume, and their impact on human attention spans and health.

The poetic artwork seeks to spark a conversation about the future of computation from a human, non-human and planetary perspective, considering how we can learn from ecological systems to restore values of growth and production which requires time.