refik anadol's nature-focused open source AI model debuts at world economic forum

refik anadol launches large nature model at 54th WEf

Known for his immersive digital sculptures and his work with artificial intelligence, media artist Refik Anadol introduces Large Nature Model, the world’s first-ever open-source generative AI model exclusively dedicated to nature. The model is under development for the evolving DATALAND, Anadol’s future museum and Web3 platform devoted to data visualization and AI arts. The Large Nature Model stands out for its unique training method, relying solely on the inherent intelligence of nature, departing from models influenced by human intellect.

The inaugural showcase of early experimental outputs stemming from the Large Nature Model, titled Living Archive: Nature, is set to be unveiled at the 54th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) taking place from January 15 to 19, 2024, in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland. The renowned annual event focuses on exploring the opportunities presented by emerging technologies and their impact on global decision-making.

The first exploratory products from the Large Nature Model will also be showcased at the Echoes of the Earth: Living Archive exhibition, hosted at Serpentine North from February 16 to April 7, 2024. Featuring a collection of Anadol’s works, both old and new, the show highlights year-long experiments with visual data, exploring the beauty of coral reefs and rainforests.

still image of Living Archive: Nature | all images courtesy of Refik Anadol Studio

Fusing Art, Technology, and Nature for Environmental Advocacy

‘Our vision for the Large Nature Model goes beyond being a repository or a creative research initiative. It is a tool for insight, education, and advocacy for the shared environment of humanity,’ says Refik Anadol, artist and Founder of Refik Anadol Studio (find more here). As the artist explains, the model seeks to promote awareness about environmental concerns and stimulate inventive solutions by blending art, technology, and nature. Additionally, by engaging people’s senses, the model makes the idea of environmental conservation more real, encouraging everyone to take shared responsibility and act together.

Launching at the 2024 World Economic Forum (find more here), Living Archive: Nature is a sensory experience showcasing visuals, sound, and scents, emphasizing the intricate connections within ecosystems. It highlights how generative AI and experiential storytelling can contribute to a sustainable future. Displayed on a 12m x 4m media wall, it features the longest 3D generative AI outputs on nature, including rainforest simulations. Visitors will witness vibrant nature scenes based on rainforest data, with waterfalls, forests, birds, flowers, and ecosystems. The installation includes custom generative sound and scents, allowing interaction with the raw dataset. A process video wall explains the interdisciplinary AI research behind the project.

the inaugural showcase of Large Nature Model outputs is set to be unveiled at the 54th annual World Economic Forum

revolutionizing ai for ecosystem understanding

The Large Nature Model aims to transform the way individuals use AI to understand Earth’s ecosystems, aiming to reshape society’s connection with the natural world. Built on extensive interdisciplinary research, it taps into open-access data from institutions like the Smithsonian Institution and London’s Natural History Museum. As collaborations deepen and more trusted data sources, including universities, museums, foundations, and government entities, join the effort, the model will grow. Refik Anadol Studio is also exploring 16 unique rainforest locations, using advanced technologies to collect data, such as LiDAR, photogrammetry, and capturing high-quality audio and visuals of diverse ecosystems to continually expand the model.

the model stands out for its unique training method, relying solely on the inherent intelligence of nature