Phonosynthesis

FONOSINTESI explores the spread of invasive alien species in relation to climate change through an interactive sound installation in which plants become active participants.

Invasive plants were collected in natural areas around Trieste with the support of a botanist and connected to custom electronic circuits controlled by Arduino. A small electrical current passing through the plants responds to variations in conductivity caused by factors such as water, environmental conditions and human touch.

These variations are translated into data and associated with musical sounds, creating a constantly changing sonic response. Each invasive species was connected to musical material referring to its geographical origin, establishing an additional relationship between biological migration, geography and sound.

Presented together as an interactive installation, the plants can be touched by visitors, transforming their electrical variations into a collective sound environment.

FONOSINTESI uses interaction and sonification as tools for science communication, creating an accessible starting point for conversations about invasive alien species, biodiversity and climate change.