Second Nature, a Volumetric Lighting and Immersive Audio Installation situated inside the St Mary le Strand church* on Strand Aldwych, surrounded by environmental sensor stations has now opened to the public. The installation draws directly from the real-time data generated by these many sensors, mirroring invisible entanglements with the surrounding climate, including temperature, air quality, humidity, signal pollution and wind. This stream of unobservable data is used to sculpt an exquisite, visual aesthetic of abstract visualisations, inspired by systems of nature.

Colours, movement, speed, position, and complexity are all informed from large swaths of live data exchange. By taking information that is invisible to the human eye and presenting it in a way that seamlessly overlays with the public realm, the audience are invited to explore a dynamic perception of space, and to critically engage with issues of climate change and the environment.

Second Nature explores issues surrounding the democratisation of data and information through Web 3.0 technologies. The data used for the project is open-source and freely available in the public domain through King’s College London. Historic data sets are woven into the work, exploring the changing environment from the 1880’s to the present day. Long term predicted forecasts of climate trends further examine a narrative of shifting challenges presented by the Anthropocene and our interdependence on non-human species. The work uses volumetric light to create evolving structures through the space.

The ephemeral architecture formed by the light, twists and contorts as an array of lighting fixtures rotate, pan and adapt to the streams of environmental change. This is accompanied by an immersive spatial audio experience, designed to dynamically alter states with the real-time data. The transitory nature of the 3D space creates unique moment for audience reflection and contemplation.

“I think the works echoes the order and chaos of our relationship with the natural world. There are moments of clarity where the two converge to create beautiful, synchronised passages. Then there are junctures in which one consumes the other. In my collaboration with the data, I hope that I can help audiences to emotionally connect with the science that charts our effect on the world around us.” – Rebecca Smith

About the artist

Rebecca Smith, an artist practicing under the name Urban Projections, has been drawing lines between the natural world, art and technology for over 20 years. Smith’s practice centres around the natural environment and our place within it, aiming to reaffirm our connection to nature and each other. Often through the creation of large-scale immersive experiences, Smith has developed innovative methods for cross genre experimentation.

Second Nature is part of a new exhibition GLOW: Illuminating Innovation (8 March – 20 April) presented by King’s Culture with support from King’s Digital Lab and the Virtual & Immersive Production Studio at the University of Nottingham*. GLOW: Illuminating Innovation seeks to capture and celebrate groundbreaking – and all too often overlooked – advancements in digital creativity by women in technology. Through the curation and presentation of first of their kind historical works, new digital art commissions and a programme of interactive augmented and virtual reality experiences, GLOW will illuminate and inspire visitors’ minds and senses.

Link to book free tickets https://www.kcl.ac.uk/events/second-nature-installation-by-urban-projections