About
This is a project exploring the possible variations of silicon-based stuff and its symbiotic relationship with future humans. In people’s general perception, silicon-based stuffs(so far as we discovered) are merely static inorganic substance with relatively stable structures. However, in the future, with advancements in technology and the discovery of more life forms, will silicon be found to possess self-awareness and self-assembly capabilities? And how might this self-awareness and self-organization affect human life and society? Can these newly discovered observable life forms coexist with humans? This project will try to figure out these answers and propose a speculative design in predicting silicon as a potential alive substance in the future.
Research Questions
- How do human beings understand the relationship between something that already exists but is unknown to us, but may be discovered by human beings in the future? Are we prepared for the unknown?
- In the process of self-organization and adaptive evolution of liquid crystals/metal, which key physical or chemical properties might endow them with “life-like” behaviors, and how could these affect their interaction with the human environment?
- Does Static, inorganic stuff evolve, and does it evolve (not revert [cyclical]) under the influence of certain stimuli, including, but not limited to, function, morphology, consciousness, fitness with organic matter, etc.?
Case Study 1
Tomas, Jeremy. “Unraveling the Enigmatic Tapestry: Crystal Spirituality Explored.” Your Religion Encyclopedia, 4 Jan. 2024, www.religionwriters.com/2023/05/unraveling-the-enigmatic-tapestry-crystal-spirituality-explored.
- Crystals are used across spiritual paths for their perceived energies and aesthetic qualities.
- Each crystal has unique metaphysical properties linked to color, resonance, and chakra alignment.
- Many use crystals for grounding and protection, often in simple practices like meditation or carrying talismans.
- Ancient and modern traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, and paganism, integrate crystals with specific symbolic meanings.
- Ethical and sustainable sourcing of crystals is a growing concern for practitioners.
Case Study 2
Petkowski, Janusz Jurand, William Bains, and Sara Seager. 2020. “On the Potential of Silicon as a Building Block for Life” Life 10, no. 6: 84. https://doi.org/10.3390/life10060084
- Explores silicon’s potential for forming life, similar to carbon due to its bonding capabilities.
- Discusses silicon’s structural and bonding properties, highlighting challenges in forming stable, complex molecules.
- Analyzes hypothetical silicon-based biomolecules and metabolic processes in potential high-temperature or high-pressure environments.
- Considers silicon’s limitations, such as weaker bond stability in oxygen-rich environments, compared to carbon.
Speculative Design
In the uncharted depths of the ocean, scientists discover a mysterious form of life: silicon-based beings with a unique form of self-awareness. These “Silicon People” pulse with electrical currents and radiance akin to human bioelectric fields, creating a unique, consciousness-like intelligence within their crystalline bodies. Inspired, scientists modify this silicon substance, developing a technique to integrate it with human physiology. By injecting silicon into injured individuals, it autonomously covers wounds, forming a protective layer that shields the flesh from infection, allowing for rapid and effective healing.
Beyond physical recovery, the injected silicon connects to human consciousness, providing a new pathway for mental healing. The crystalline structure resonates with bioelectrical rhythms, mimicking ancient crystal therapies to help stabilize emotions, calm anxiety, and potentially ease trauma. This extraordinary fusion of human and silicon brings a new era in medicine, blending the realms of technology, biology, and mental well-being.
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