"A-Volve reduces the borders between real and unreal, by connecting reality to "non-reality." Human decision in the creation of a new form and the rules of evolution and selection will create an environment that is open to all possible modifications and selections, following the laws of evolution and creation. The visitor becomes part of the evolutionary system, he is a partner of the virtual organisms and gives and promotes their "artificial life."

Water as the metaphor for birth and basic evolution is the medium for this artificial life "pool", that is open to its real environment."

"In the interactive real-time environment "A-Volve" visitors interact with virtual creatures in the space of a water filled glass pool.These virtual creatures are products of evolutionary rules and influenced by human creation and decision."

• Virtual 3-D creatures are created by using a touch screen to design any kind of 2-D shape with your finger which is converted in to a 3-D creature.
  • 400 vertex points (x,y,z)
  • Colors & textures assigned by speed of drawing
  • Vertex points, color & texture used as genetic code for each creature
• Swim in a pool of real water; look for food and mates
• Genetic code + movement algorithm = unique motion
• Motion algorithm = wave function, front-back of creature, propels it forward/backward
• Natural selection: Movement and behavior of virtual creatures is determined by its form, this also determines its "fitness" in the pool so that the most fit creatures mate and reproduce.
• Fitness: ability to reach a target in specific time frame. Dependent on form and muscle function.
• Creatures compete for energy. Predator creatures (=most fit creatures) hunt for prey creatures.
  • Predators eat creatures and absorb energy
• Creatures have internal vision systems.
• Creatures interact with visitors: react to movement of hands in water of the pool. Creatures try to flee but will stay still if caught. Visitors can protect creatures from predators.
• Evolution: When creatures mate and reproduce the algorithms provide for mutation and cross-over following the principles of Mendelian genetics. The newly born offspring immediately react and live in the pool, interacting with visitors and other creatures.
• Algorithms create smooth and natural movements and "animal-like" behavior.
• This is all completed in real time through interaction of people and the virtual creatures"

To visit a website containing information on several of Christa Sommerer and Laurent Mignonneau's works including this one, click here.