Vibrant Fields

Vibrant Matter is an art-research project focusing on understanding climate change through artistic means. The project team consists of Bernhard Sommer, Zeynep Aksöz Balzar, Galo Moncayo Asan and Mark Balzar, who are based in the Institute of Architecture in University of Applied Arts. Vibrant Matter understands urban nature as an unification of biological and technological components that exist in symbiosis within the same environment. This project aims to draw a holistic image of climate change and its implications on urban nature, by understanding the relationship between these different actors. The main question becomes how atmospheric effects influence the living and non-living participants of the urban realm and how will they adapt to climate change. The Influence of climatic conditions has various effects on population and population density. We can observe a direct relationship between the world distribution of urban sprawl and the respected isotherms, zones on the earth`s surface that share similar climatic characteristics. It is part of the argument that these isotherms are constantly moving and put tension on the current state of urbanization. Society can only use two strategies: Moving with the isotherm or adapting to the new climatic conditions. By visiting and observing diverse actors in cities that remain in extreme climatic zones, this project aims to understand the principles of adaptation to changing energetic conditions. New ways of measuring urban sensations will be investigated, by developing an apparatus for capturing the energy flows and transforming this information as raw material for art production. Information such as ultrasonic waves and infrared waves which are very important in animal and botanical life, however, they are not accessible through our senses. Phenomena such as climate change are hard to understand, as it is perceivable only through our personal history and experiences. Consequently, a new method of surveying the urban realm is proposed, by perceiving the built environment and its inhabitants as equal vibrant matter, by synergizing disciplines such as science, art, and architecture in relation to society, biology, and technology. To cover the diverse topics addressed in the project, the team includes experts of whom each individual has a hybrid background with broad core experience in the fields of urbanism, architecture, energy, data-analysis, robotics, AI, and arts. Art has the power to augment the human experience by extending the limits of sensory impressions. Vibrant Matter aims to produce novel and intriguing experiences that communicate the observed phenomena. Consequently, the narratives developed along the lifetime of the project will illuminate the influence of climate change to its respected environment.

The Vibrant Fields Project is an arts-based research initiative dedicated to understanding climate change through artistic exploration. Led by a team from the Institute of Architecture at the University of Applied Arts' Department for Energy Design, the project includes Bernhard Sommer, Zeynep Aksöz Balzar, Galo Moncayo Asan, and Mark Balzar. Funded by FWF PEEK, this project has yielded significant scientific advancements and practical outcomes that are vital for the public to understand. One of the most notable achievements of the Vibrant Fields Project is its innovative approach to examining the effects of climate change on urban environments. By blending biological and technological components within cities, the research highlights the intricate relationships between living and non-living entities and their adaptations to climatic changes. This understanding is crucial as it reveals how urban areas can either move with changing climate patterns or adapt to new conditions, providing valuable insights for future urban planning. The project produced extensive data from regions experiencing rapid climate changes, particularly Phoenix, USA, Jakarta, Indonesia, and Vienna, Austria. This data is essential for understanding current climatic conditions and serves as a baseline for future comparisons. Such information is critical as it helps predict how urban environments might respond to ongoing and future climate challenges. Through five exhibitions and international collaborations with the University of Arizona and an NGO in Indonesia, the Vibrant Fields Project has successfully disseminated its findings and fostered global connections. These collaborations have enriched the research and ensured that the project's outcomes reach a wider audience. A key aspect of the project is the development of new methods for measuring urban events, focusing on energy flows and their artistic representation. By using advanced techniques to capture data such as ultrasonic and infrared waves, the project translates these findings into unique artistic expressions. This approach not only makes complex scientific data more accessible but also enhances public understanding of climate change by extending sensory experiences beyond the visible spectrum. The Vibrant Fields Project proposes a new way of viewing urban environments by considering them as interconnected systems of vibrant matter. This perspective is crucial for developing a holistic understanding of how cities can adapt to climate change. By integrating scientific, artistic, and architectural methods, the project establishes a theoretical framework that emphasizes the interdependence of society, biology, and technology.