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Floragami

SPACE ARTIFACT

Project Intent

To create a lightweight, rigid, and exapndable structure that supports human and plant interaction. FloraGami is a project that sup- ports plant growth on folded surfaces.

Seeds embedded within sheets of paper are transported into space dry and collapsed. When a small amount of water is introduced to FloraGami, both the folded vessel and the seeds bloom together; as the Flora blooms, the Kami unravels simultaneously.

Project Description

The project appropriates the whirlpool spiral folding pattern (originally by Tomoko Fuse) as a growing medium in zero-g conditions.

The experiment hypothesizes that the golden angles provided by the folding pattern provides two essential considerations for life in space; light exposure and growth patterns.

The golden ratio between each unfolded polygon will provide optimal exposure to multi-directional light sources. Additionally, by mimicking the same growth pattern found in nature (pinecones, sunflowers, artichokes etc), the project hopes to introduce resilience in the wildflowers grown in zero-g.

With these considerations in mind, the project combines 10 whirlpool spiral modules to form a central and omnidirectional growing sphere.

Materials

Wildflower seed embedded paper 
Double Sided Tape
Super Glue
Project by 

Kevin Wong

2023



The Center for Collaborative Arts and Media (CCAM) at Yale is an interdisciplinary art and technology center. CCAM is part of the cultural landscape at Yale that includes other major institutions such as the Yale University Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art. CCAM is also home to an interdisciplinary Curriculum in Residence, sponsoring classes from art and architecture to public health. A staging ground for faculty and students to experiment, CCAM starts with creativity to advance projects and research, forming an archipelago of interdisciplinary labs within an art-forward setting.