Sphaerosymphony is an immersive, interactive installation that transforms real-time air quality data into a powerful visual and auditory experience. Developed by a cross-disciplinary team from the University of Edinburgh and beyond, the project brings together environmental awareness, digital education, and interactive technology.
At its centre is a dynamic 3D sphere that visualises live pollution data, accompanied by a responsive soundscape that evolves with changing air conditions. Accessible via web browsers and immersive WebXR, Sphaerosymphony offers an engaging and accessible way for audiences to connect with environmental information.
Using real-time API data on air quality, the installation combines layered animations with generative music to create a multi-sensory experience. Each monitoring station has a unique musical theme seeded by its ID, which subtly shifts in tone and rhythm based on the past 24 hours of particulate matter readings.
Sphaerosymphony was conceived during the Generative Creative Visions workshops (February 2025), hosted by the Generative AI Laboratory (GAIL) at the Edinburgh Futures Institute. These workshops brought together artists, technologists, and researchers to explore how generative AI could spark new creative ideas while addressing questions of ethics, policy, and responsible AI use in the arts. Sphaerosymphony was one of three projects awarded funding to further develop its vision.
Beyond the installation, the project contributes to research on how AI-driven tools, generative sound, and interactive graphics can be used to communicate complex environmental data in a meaningful and creative way.
Associate Professor and Head of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Group, University of Edinburgh Business School
Piera is an interdisciplinary scholar studying technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship. She founded the Imagination Lab to explore the intersection of imagination and interdisciplinarity.
Ph.D. Candidate, Una Europa Joint Doctorate in Cultural Heritage (Complutense University of Madrid & University of Edinburgh)
r.gomez-hernandez@sms.ed.ac.uk
Raul’s research spans educational innovation, cultural heritage, and digital technology. He teaches new media and media literacy at the Complutense University of Madrid and is a European Heritage Youth Ambassador.
Creative Technologist | Numeriq Ltd | University of Edinburgh Alumni
David specialises in WebXR, Three.js, and real-time data visualisation. He provides the technical architecture, coding, and implementation for Sphaerosymphony.
Ethical approval for this study was granted by the School of Business Ethics Committee at the University of Edinburgh on 16/06/2025.
Funding & research support by the Generative AI Laboratory.
A global contributor‑driven network creating Open Environmental Data.
Use of FlowCreate ideation software.
Provider of the Air Quality API.
Providing hosting and development support.
Map tiles sourced from OpenStreetMap contributors.
Open‑source Web Audio framework and sampled instrument library powering Sphaerosymphony’s soundscape. Tone.js | tonejs‑instruments.