Biomersion

Embodied Experience Design
"Biomersion"


Biomersion

For this project, our group was asked to create an embodied experience from a non-human perspective. We decided to focus on a tree. During our research, we found out that trees—and really all living things in a forest—are deeply connected and never truly alone. This is thanks to an incredible organism called mycelium. It forms a network that links the roots of trees, plants, and fungi, allowing them to communicate and share resources. It’s amazing to think about, but it also means that deforestation doesn’t just impact a few trees—it affects the entire forest.

We wanted to create an experience that lets people feel what it’s like to be part of something bigger, like a forest. Humans are social beings, but we don’t connect the way a forest does. Trees and plants are constantly receiving signals from each other—whether it’s a warning about danger or a call for extra energy or nutrients. They can even send alerts about diseases or other problems, giving others a chance to protect themselves. It’s such a fascinating and important system for life in the forest.

In our installation, we designed an experience where participants could feel what it might be like to be a tree. We used sound, blocked out vision, adjusted posture, and added vibrations underfoot to simulate the feeling of being connected to a larger network. There was also an extra element for a second participant, who could act as a mushroom in the system, sending signals to the “tree.”

As the experience went on, the signals started to fade, representing the effects of deforestation. By the end, participants were left in silence and stillness, simulating what it would feel like to lose that connection entirely. Through this, we wanted to raise awareness about the impact of deforestation and highlight the importance of living with greater care and respect for the forest.
 

This project was so meaningful to me. It helped me realize what’s really important to me as an artist and designer. I’m really proud that we were able to bring together research, sound design, and technology to create something so impactful!  

Recent graduate in:

Communication and Multimedia Design,
Avans University Breda

@ninke.freijser

ninke.freijser@gmail.com

Ninke Freijser