ECHO - Where Forests Speak
ECHO - Where Forests Speak
ECHO
ECHO - Where Forests Speak
ECHO-Where Forests Speak
A collaboration with the Forest Department of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
A collaboration with the Forest Department of the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh.
A project to bring tourism to Potters' Hill, a conservation reserve in Shimla by adding an immersive, multi-sensory experience. It addresses the issue of surface-level tourism at the ecologically rich but underappreciated site by turning plants into storytellers. The project uses biosonification to convert plants' electric bio-signals into sound and responsive lighting to visualise the rhythms+patterns, supported by narrative storytelling based on Himalayan folklore to create a connection between visitors and the forest.
A project to bring tourism to Potters' Hill, a conservation reserve in Shimla by adding an immersive, multi-sensory experience. It addresses the issue of surface-level tourism at the ecologically rich but underappreciated site by turning plants into storytellers. The project uses biosonification to convert plants' electric bio-signals into sound and responsive lighting to visualise the rhythms+patterns, supported by narrative storytelling based on Himalayan folklore to create a connection between visitors and the forest.
A project to bring tourism to Potters' Hill, a conservation reserve in Shimla by adding an immersive, multi-sensory experience. It addresses the issue of surface-level tourism at the ecologically rich but underappreciated site by turning plants into storytellers.
The project uses biosonification to convert plants' electric bio-signals into sound and responsive lighting to visualise the rhythms+patterns, supported by narrative storytelling based on Himalayan folklore to create a connection between visitors and the forest.
A project to bring tourism to Potters' Hill, a conservation reserve in Shimla by adding an immersive, multi-sensory experience. It addresses the issue of surface-level tourism at the ecologically rich but underappreciated site by turning plants into storytellers. The project uses biosonification to convert plants' electric bio-signals into sound and responsive lighting to visualise the rhythms+patterns, supported by narrative storytelling based on Himalayan folklore to create a connection between visitors and the forest.
Sector
Tourism
Team
Drashti Mehta
Anshul Jain
Duration
5 Months(2025)
Sector
Tourism
Sector
Tourism
Sector
Tourism
Team
Drashti Mehta
Anshul Jain
Team
Drashti Mehta
Anshul Jain
Team
Drashti Mehta
Anshul Jain
Duration
5 Months(2025)
Duration
5 Months(2025)
Duration
5 Months(2025)
Forests speak if we know how to listen.
Potters’ Hill was a space full of life but lacked stories and the connection with the trees.
What if the forest could tell us its stories?
Forests speak if we know how to listen.
Potters’ Hill was a space full of life but lacked stories and the connection with the trees.
What if the forest could tell us its stories?
Forests speak if we know how to listen.
Potters’ Hill was a space full of life but lacked stories and the connection with the trees.
What if the forest could tell us its stories?
What was the problem?
What was the problem?
What was the problem?
Potters' Hill was an ecologically rich site that tourists treated as a mere picnic spot. They visited it without any emotional or intellectual engagement and locals too, did not see the value it held. The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department failed to understand how to solve the problem.
Without a guide, the forest felt still and uninviting.
Potters' Hill was an ecologically rich site that tourists treated as a mere picnic spot. They visited it without any emotional or intellectual engagement and locals too, did not see the value it held. The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department failed to understand how to solve the problem.
Without a guide, the forest felt still and uninviting.
Potters' Hill was an ecologically rich site that tourists treated as a mere picnic spot. They visited it without any emotional or intellectual engagement and locals too, did not see the value it held. The Himachal Pradesh Forest Department failed to understand how to solve the problem.
Without a guide, the forest felt still and uninviting.
A tour with Dr. Vaneet Jishtu, a renowned taxonomist, familiarised us with the personalities of each tree through the stories, history, and science. He brought the forest to life and we wanted every visitor to experience that.
A tour with Dr. Vaneet Jishtu, a renowned taxonomist, familiarised us with the personalities of each tree through the stories, history, and science. He brought the forest to life and we wanted every visitor to experience that.
A tour with Dr. Vaneet Jishtu, a renowned taxonomist, familiarised us with the personalities of each tree through the stories, history, and science. He brought the forest to life and we wanted every visitor to experience that.
How could the richness, mystery and power of forests be translated into a tangible and sensory experience?
How could the richness, mystery and power of forests be translated into a tangible and sensory experience?
How could the richness, mystery and power of forests be translated into a tangible and sensory experience?
How did we solve it?
How did we solve it?
How did we solve it?
ECHO (Ecological Cultural Himalayan Odyssey)
An immersive, multi-sensory installation using -
- Biosonification to turn plant signals into sound
- Responsive lighting to convert rhythms into colour
- Narrative storytelling based on folklore and science
ECHO (Ecological Cultural Himalayan Odyssey)
An immersive, multi-sensory installation using -
- Biosonification to turn plant signals into sound
- Responsive lighting to convert rhythms into colour
- Narrative storytelling based on folklore and science
ECHO (Ecological Cultural Himalayan Odyssey)
An immersive, multi-sensory installation using -
- Biosonification to turn plant signals into sound
- Responsive lighting to convert rhythms into colour
- Narrative storytelling based on folklore and science
ECHO (Ecological Cultural Himalayan Odyssey)
An immersive, multi-sensory installation using -
- Biosonification to turn plant signals into sound
- Responsive lighting to convert rhythms into colour
- Narrative storytelling based on folklore and science
Helping visitors see, listen to and feel the forest.
Helping visitors see, listen to and feel the forest.
Helping visitors see, listen to and feel the forest.
The Imagined Experience (Proof of Concept)
The Imagined Experience (Proof of Concept)
The Imagined Experience (Proof of Concept)
The music and light patterns were being generated in real time on the basis of the fluctuations in the plants' bio-signals.
The music and light patterns were being generated in real time on the basis of the fluctuations in the plants' bio-signals.
The music and light patterns were generated in real time on the basis of the fluctuations in the plants' bio-signals.
The music and light patterns were being generated in real time on the basis of the fluctuations in the plants' bio-signals.
In these videos, you can experience the 'Coffea travencorensis'(Travancore Coffee) and
'Ficus benjamina'(Weeping Fig) plants.
In these videos, you can experience the 'Coffea travencorensis'(Travancore Coffee) and
'Ficus benjamina'(Weeping Fig) plants.
In these videos, you can experience the 'Coffea travencorensis'(Travancore Coffee) and
'Ficus benjamina'(Weeping Fig) plants.
Increase your device volume for the best experience.
In these videos, you can experience the 'Coffea travencorensis'(Travancore Coffee) and 'Ficus benjamina'(Weeping Fig) plants.
Parts of the Experience
(The Puzzle Pieces)
Parts of the Experience
(The Puzzle Pieces)
Parts of the Experience
(The Puzzle Pieces)
Sound
Sound
Sound
Built the experience using a custom biosonification synthesiser. Created an immersive, 360-degree surround sound experience where the plant bio-signals and patterns play a 'symphony'.
Built the experience using a custom biosonification synthesiser. Created an immersive, 360-degree surround sound experience where the plant bio-signals and patterns play a 'symphony'.
Built the experience using a custom biosonification synthesiser. Created an immersive, 360-degree surround sound experience where the plant bio-signals and patterns play a 'symphony'.
Light
Light
Light
Kinetic lights panels programmed to respond to the plant electrical impulses, creating an immersive light show that takes visitors through the arboretum and lets the forest 'communicate'.
Kinetic lights panels programmed to respond to the plant electrical impulses, creating an immersive light show that takes visitors through the arboretum and lets the forest 'communicate'.
Kinetic lights panels programmed to respond to the plant electrical impulses, creating an immersive light show that takes visitors through the arboretum and lets the forest 'communicate'.
Narrative
Narrative
Narrative
The narrative is designed as a journey where the narration in the background narrates the stories of the plants(based on folk stories) and on reaching the domes, the plants 'tell their stories themselves'. Each installation spot corresponds to a specific theme and emotion based on the plant species most prevalent in the particular part of the space.
The narrative is designed as a journey where the narration in the background narrates the stories of the plants(based on folk stories) and on reaching the domes, the plants 'tell their stories themselves'. Each installation spot corresponds to a specific theme and emotion based on the plant species most prevalent in the particular part of the space.
The narrative is designed as a journey where the narration in the background narrates the stories of the plants(based on folk stories) and on reaching the domes, the plants 'tell their stories themselves'. Each installation spot corresponds to a specific theme and emotion based on the plant species most prevalent in the particular part of the space.
Structure
Structure
Structure
The main installations are housed inside 3v geodesic domes, designed to be modular and durable, made with materials like bamboo, recycled wood, and weatherproofed fabric.
The main installations are housed inside 3v geodesic domes, designed to be modular and durable, made with materials like bamboo, recycled wood, and weatherproofed fabric.
The main installations are housed inside 3v geodesic domes, designed to be modular and durable, made with materials like bamboo, recycled wood, and weatherproofed fabric.
The Face of the Experience
The Face of the Experience
The Face of the Experience
The Process(Swipe/Click on the dots)
The Process(Swipe/Click on the dots)
The Process(Swipe/Click on the dots)
Research
Site Analysis
Numerous conversations, interviews and observations of tourist behaviour showed a need for a change in the tourist and local perception of the site.
User Persona
From Leisure or Relaxation Seekers to Adventure and Nature Enthusiasts, to understand the range of tourists and their needs and challenges.
Case Studies
Studied historical and nature related sound and light experiences(eg. Golconda Fort, Andaman Cellular Jail, Amer Fort Jaipur, Foresta Lumina Canada, Singapore Zoo, etc.)
Inspired by the use of the physical fort silhouette as the main element in the Amer Fort show, we made our canvas of the trees and the forest the main focus with existing paths and the plants along the path .
The nature-based shows gave visitors information through anecdotes. We used that idea, improvised and used folklore stories and supported with information to give the plants personalities and relevance.Ideation
Plants can sense things but express in a way completely different from us humans, a way very foreign to us. The idea was to translate these senses into forms more familiar to us, to be able to form a deeper connection with them.
Hear
Biosonification to convert a plant's bio-electric signal changes, caused by cell activity and environmental stimuli, into sound.
See
Responsive lighting programmed to visualise the invisible rhythms in real-time. LEDs converted biosonic data into patterns by mapping parameters to colour, intensity, and speed, mimicking natural patterns like pulses and waves.
Feel
Storytelling to create an emotional and physical connection. Narrative walkthrough designed to guide visitors, with each major plant species(section of the arboretum) being given a personality inspired by local folklore.
Planning
Path
We selected an existing 800m trail at Potters' Hill that had a natural progression and diverse flora.
Along this path, we identified five installation spots, all in different sections of the Arboretum. The spots included an existing metal structure surrounded by Blue Pine trees, a Rhododendron section, a Hill Bamboo enclosure, the existing Amphitheatre(also serves as the entry point) and a Pergola (exit arch). We then measured, sketched, marked and took site recordings of each spot.Materials
We planned the structure of the installations, planning treated bamboo for durability and so the structures blend into the landscape.
Another key focus was modularity to able to create the parts of the structures and assemble on site. We did multiple rounds of prototyping of the different types of geodesic domes(1v, 2v, 3v) to decide on the most suitable one.Path Lighting
We roughly planned some interactive yet simple lighting solutions to illuminate the path between the installation domes.
Prototyping and its Stages
Sound
Our initial circuit produced scratchy sounds and gave an interference which was fixed with a more sensitive sensor in our custom biosonification synthesiser. Then the notes were bound to many scales before settling on the perfect one to ensure the sound produced was given a range, was pleasing to hear and fit into the environment/setting.
Light
Tested LEDs in series and matrix forms in 5+ rounds and finally created the audio-reactive system of 36 daisy-chained panels with 98 LEDs each. It also involved multiple rounds of coding on Arduino and Python and testing different patterns, colours, and rhythms that would respond to the plants' signals in a visually compelling way. The final panels were then laser-cut and hand-soldered with LED strips.
Structure
Built the geodesic dome from scratch. Figured out the precise math and angles for each strut. The process was a hands-on learning experience, from material testing, hand sawing of pipes, heat-flattening and angling the ends of struts, filleting edges to finally assembling the dome layer by layer.
Research
Site Analysis
Numerous conversations, interviews and observations of tourist behaviour showed a need for a change in the tourist and local perception of the site.
User Persona
From Leisure or Relaxation Seekers to Adventure and Nature Enthusiasts, to understand the range of tourists and their needs and challenges.
Case Studies
Studied historical and nature related sound and light experiences(eg. Golconda Fort, Andaman Cellular Jail, Amer Fort Jaipur, Foresta Lumina Canada, Singapore Zoo, etc.)
Inspired by the use of the physical fort silhouette as the main element in the Amer Fort show, we made our canvas of the trees and the forest the main focus with existing paths and the plants along the path .
The nature-based shows gave visitors information through anecdotes. We used that idea, improvised and used folklore stories and supported with information to give the plants personalities and relevance.Ideation
Plants can sense things but express in a way completely different from us humans, a way very foreign to us. The idea was to translate these senses into forms more familiar to us, to be able to form a deeper connection with them.
Hear
Biosonification to convert a plant's bio-electric signal changes, caused by cell activity and environmental stimuli, into sound.
See
Responsive lighting programmed to visualise the invisible rhythms in real-time. LEDs converted biosonic data into patterns by mapping parameters to colour, intensity, and speed, mimicking natural patterns like pulses and waves.
Feel
Storytelling to create an emotional and physical connection. Narrative walkthrough designed to guide visitors, with each major plant species(section of the arboretum) being given a personality inspired by local folklore.
Planning
Path
We selected an existing 800m trail at Potters' Hill that had a natural progression and diverse flora.
Along this path, we identified five installation spots, all in different sections of the Arboretum. The spots included an existing metal structure surrounded by Blue Pine trees, a Rhododendron section, a Hill Bamboo enclosure, the existing Amphitheatre(also serves as the entry point) and a Pergola (exit arch). We then measured, sketched, marked and took site recordings of each spot.Materials
We planned the structure of the installations, planning treated bamboo for durability and so the structures blend into the landscape.
Another key focus was modularity to able to create the parts of the structures and assemble on site. We did multiple rounds of prototyping of the different types of geodesic domes(1v, 2v, 3v) to decide on the most suitable one.Path Lighting
We roughly planned some interactive yet simple lighting solutions to illuminate the path between the installation domes.
Prototyping and its Stages
Sound
Our initial circuit produced scratchy sounds and gave an interference which was fixed with a more sensitive sensor in our custom biosonification synthesiser. Then the notes were bound to many scales before settling on the perfect one to ensure the sound produced was given a range, was pleasing to hear and fit into the environment/setting.
Light
Tested LEDs in series and matrix forms in 5+ rounds and finally created the audio-reactive system of 36 daisy-chained panels with 98 LEDs each. It also involved multiple rounds of coding on Arduino and Python and testing different patterns, colours, and rhythms that would respond to the plants' signals in a visually compelling way. The final panels were then laser-cut and hand-soldered with LED strips.
Structure
Built the geodesic dome from scratch. Figured out the precise math and angles for each strut. The process was a hands-on learning experience, from material testing, hand sawing of pipes, heat-flattening and angling the ends of struts, filleting edges to finally assembling the dome layer by layer.
My Contribution
My Contribution
My Contribution
Lighting + Visuals
Lighting + Visuals
Lighting + Visuals
My primary contribution was in ideating and designing the light experience to convert the plant's signals into interesting visuals that were true to the data being received. This was a challenging part where I had to define and map the behaviour of the lights and execute it using Python and Arduino IDE. I used AI to assist me with the coding(generating the initial syntax) to be able to test and prototype different outputs in a shorter time frame.
My primary contribution was in ideating and designing the light experience to convert the plant's signals into interesting visuals that were true to the data being received. This was a challenging part where I had to define and map the behaviour of the lights and execute it using Python and Arduino IDE. I used AI to assist me with the coding(generating the initial syntax) to be able to test and prototype different outputs in a shorter time frame.
My primary contribution was in ideating and designing the light experience to convert the plant's signals into interesting visuals that were true to the data being received. This was a challenging part where I had to define and map the behaviour of the lights and execute it using Python and Arduino IDE. I used AI to assist me with the coding(generating the initial syntax) to be able to test and prototype different outputs in a shorter time frame.
I also performed the troubleshooting to develop the perfect light pattern output + designing, iterating and setting the specific mapping parameters like -
-Frequency ranges to colour/number of LEDs - where the plant data frequency ranges were each mapped to different colours then changed to the number of LEDs lighting up with colour being a constant.
-Amplitude to intensity of lights - where the amplitude influenced the brightness of the lights
-Rhythm to speed - the data pulse rhythm determined the speed of the light pattern
I also performed the troubleshooting to develop the perfect light pattern output + designing, iterating and setting the specific mapping parameters like -
-Frequency ranges to colour/number of LEDs - where the plant data frequency ranges were each mapped to different colours then changed to the number of LEDs lighting up with colour being a constant.
-Amplitude to intensity of lights - where the amplitude influenced the brightness of the lights
-Rhythm to speed - the data pulse rhythm determined the speed of the light pattern
I also performed the troubleshooting to develop the perfect light pattern output + designing, iterating and setting the specific mapping parameters like -
-Frequency ranges to colour/number of LEDs - where the plant data frequency ranges were each mapped to different colours then changed to the number of LEDs lighting up with colour being a constant.
-Amplitude to intensity of lights - where the amplitude influenced the brightness of the lights
-Rhythm to speed - the data pulse rhythm determined the speed of the light pattern
I created a visual language for the experience to visualise the plant's otherwise invisible patterns. The development of the light element with the sound was important to be able to turn the project from a theory to an experience.
I created a visual language for the experience to visualise the plant's otherwise invisible patterns. The development of the light element with the sound was important to be able to turn the project from a theory to an experience.
I created a visual language for the experience to visualise the plant's otherwise invisible patterns. The development of the light element with the sound was important to be able to turn the project from a theory to an experience.
Narrative
Narrative
Narrative
Created the narrative journey(soundscape, script, emotion and experience map) by using local Himalayan folklore and cultural symbolism and giving each plant species a voice and personality.
Created the narrative journey(soundscape, script, emotion and experience map) by using local Himalayan folklore and cultural symbolism and giving each plant species a voice and personality.
Created and designed the narrative journey(soundscape, script, emotion and experience map) by combining local Himalayan folklore with the cultural symbolism and giving each plant species a voice and personality.
Created the narrative journey(soundscape, script, emotion and experience map) by using local Himalayan folklore and cultural symbolism and giving each plant species a voice and personality.
For eg. - Locals say the Rhododendron grew wherever the warriors and protectors of their land had shed blood. To weave that tale in, the path leading up to the Rhododendron dome explains the story and has light installations showing scarlet and crimson colours in radiating and pulsing patterns. Inside the dome, the colours would also try to reflect the same theme and emotions.
For eg. - Locals say the Rhododendron grew wherever the warriors and protectors of their land had shed blood. To weave that tale in, the path leading up to the Rhododendron dome explains the story and has light installations showing scarlet and crimson colours in radiating and pulsing patterns. Inside the dome, the colours would also try to reflect the same theme and emotions.
For eg. - Locals say the Rhododendron grew wherever the warriors and protectors of their land had shed blood. To weave that tale in, the path leading up to the Rhododendron dome explains the story and has light installations showing scarlet and crimson colours in radiating and pulsing patterns. Inside the dome, the colours would also try to reflect the same theme and emotions.
Addressed the core problem of visitor disengagement with the layer of a narrative. The storytelling was necessary to make the forest feel personified and alive to visitors.
Addressed the core problem of visitor disengagement with the layer of a narrative. The storytelling was necessary to make the forest feel personified and alive to visitors.
Addressed the core problem of visitor disengagement with the layer of a narrative. The storytelling was necessary to make the forest feel personified and alive to visitors.
Structure Planning and Materiality
Structure Planning and Materiality
Structure Planning and Materiality
I conducted research on structure forms and construction so that the final structure would fit into the backdrop of the forest and be able to withstand the weather conditions in the area. Discussions with common views on the features of the structure led us to decide on the modular and easy to assemble form of the geodesic dome.
I conducted research on structure forms and construction so that the final structure would fit into the backdrop of the forest and be able to withstand the weather conditions in the area. Discussions with common views on the features of the structure led us to decide on the modular and easy to assemble form of the geodesic dome.
I conducted research on structure forms and construction so that the final structure would fit into the backdrop of the forest and be able to withstand the weather conditions in the area. Discussions with common views on the features of the structure led us to decide on the modular and easy to assemble form of the geodesic dome.
Executing the Concept(Swipe/Click on the Dots)
Executing the Concept(Swipe/Click on the Dots)
Executing the Concept(Swipe/Click on the Dots)
Route Mapping
Building the Concept
Building the Structure
Route Mapping
Building the Concept
Building the Structure
Route Mapping
Building the Concept
Building the Structure