Inspiration and Concept:
The inspiration for this project stems from Le Petit Prince, where the Little Prince leaves his rose behind and learns the meaning of love and taming through his journey. My reimagined narrative explores what happens if the Prince returns to his planet to nurture and tame his rose. Translating this idea to our world in 2100, where humanity has devastated the Earth, the story centers on the last surviving flower, blooming amidst heaps of trash. The project becomes a poetic exploration of how taming this flower requires not only water but also care, attention, and love for the planet. By combining storytelling, design, and technology, I created an interactive piece that encourages viewers to reflect on their relationship with nature.
Development and Technical Execution:
The project employs a blend of physical mechanics and Arduino-based technology to bring the narrative to life. A handmade origami flower is at the center, its petals opening dynamically in response to a water level sensor. When water is added, a stepper motor activates, pulling the flower’s petals open via a pulley system. Human interaction is captured through an ultrasonic sensor, which detects proximity and illuminates a red LED to signify the flower’s response to care and attention.
Creating the pulley system to manage the movement of the four petals was particularly challenging. I experimented with various thread types to prevent tangling, eventually finding an optimal balance of strength and flexibility. Initially, I used a servo motor, but its limited torque and rotation angle made it unsuitable. Switching to a stepper motor solved these issues, offering precise and consistent motion. The stepper motor operates in harmony with the water sensor, enabling smooth petal movements when the water level threshold is met. Additionally, I designed a functional and aesthetic setup, including a watering pot for interaction and a black box to conceal the mechanical components, enhancing the visual focus on the blooming flower.
This project required not only technical problem-solving but also a creative synthesis of mechanics, storytelling, and interaction design. The result is a responsive and evocative installation that invites viewers to engage with the idea of nurturing nature, both physically and emotionally.
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