What is nature, and how do we, as (Western) humans, relate to it? The fundamental image of nature constantly clashes with the rapid evolution in knowledge, technology, and ideas about it. FUTURE BOTANICA is an Augmented Reality app that enables users, in collaboration with an AI, to design speculative ecosystems with new nature. These virtual ecosystems are then planted into the existing physical nature, allowing exploration of ideas, expectations, fears, and desires regarding future nature. Users experience that any addition or alteration to an ecosystem affects the functioning of the entire ecosystem. With Future Botanica, we aim to challenge our audience to speculate on the transitions ahead. By collecting and sharing stories and ideas from different people and generations, new perspectives emerge, acting as a time capsule for the future.

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Future Botanica is a Polymorf and Studio Biarritz production, Designed by Polymorf and Studio Bleu. Commissioned by: MU Hybrid Art Space. Supported by: The creative industries fund Digital Culture and Fentener van Vlissingen Fund and the Film Fund DocLab Interactive Grant.

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Lead design & project management: Marcel van Brakel. Lead design & science integration: Hazal Ertukan. Development & AI integration: Lucianno Pinna. Unity development & AR integration: Daan Hobbel. 3D design: Ashley Haagsma, Petr Tiurin. 3D design & animation: Hauke Boer. AI & design research: Sacha Holzken. Graphic design: Daniël Maarleveld. Audio design: Mark Meeuwenoord. Producer: Corine Meijers. Sales and partnerships: Marieke Nooren. Marketing Strategy: Nienke Huitenga. Special thanks to: Artis Amsterdam, University of Utrecht, Botanical Gardens, UU, and the Urban Futures Studio. Botanical Gardens University Utrecht, Peter Boonstra and Ivo van der Weijden.

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