A Blending of Art and Science in Finland

Biomatrix Large Island Design

Materials Arriving at the Site

Beginning Work Assembling the Biomatrix

Jackie Brookner Creating Fake Rocks

Me and My Husband Galen Fulford

Week One: An Introduction to the Project

In Salo, Finland there is a lake that is polluted by a nearby sewage treatment plant. This bright green lake is a key place for migrating birds. With a team of artists, limnologists, ornithologists and college students I am working on creating three floating islands, which will serve multiple purposes. The Islands, the largest of which is 30m diameter, will have local wetland plants growing in the water on which millions of microorganisms will flourish. Patented media below the islands will also provide surface area for these micro-organisms. Aerators will create an aerobic environment encouraging the growth of these positive micro-organisms, which eat the contaminants in the water. On the largest island we will create a protected environment for birds to nest on rocks and gravel.

The project is funded by a 1% for the arts grant from Salo City. It is part of Halikonlahti Green Arts Exhibition which features the work of many Finnish and international artists working within the eco art movement.

Students from the local vocational college studying house building are an important part of the team, giving their muscle power to putting together the HDPE pipes and planting the plants. Jackie Brookner, an ecological artist from New York City is currently making large fake rocks that will be light enough to float on the islands and strong enough for birds to rest. She is working with an expert on nanotechnology to use secret lightweight nanotech concrete.

On the first day a large truck delivered all the materials and we gathered to begin assembling the pieces. The structure, called a Biomatrix, works with the principles of biomimicry, replicating the strongest forms in nature: that of the ice crystal, and the honeycomb. This hexagonal shape is both beautiful and hardy enough to withstand the cold Finnish winter and the ice that will form on the lake.

Treatment process within Biomatrix systems can effectively:

• Reduce COD & BOD loading.
• Reduce TSS.
• Improve the clarity of the water.
• Reduce pathogens.
• Reduce nutrient levels including Nitrogen and Phosphorous.
• Breakdown organic compounds.

I am excited to be involved in this project which is blending art and science. I work with my husband and father in The Ecovillage Institute, an ecological design and engineering partnership based in Findhorn. Together we offer consulting for wastewater treatment using natural systems. This project is especially interesting to me because of its primary role as an art project.