Below Zero

What it does

This project uses soft, smart sensing surfaces to detect subtle environmental changes and explore a possible modern-day Little Ice Age, turning hidden climate signals into visible data to raise awareness and help the public react to long-term climate shifts.

Your inspiration

This idea began during a night walk with my father, when he casually mentioned how strange the weather felt and wondered if we were entering another ice age. That moment stayed with me. Soon after, I began noticing others around me saying the same thing: the rain, the cold, the instability. It led me to explore long-term climate cycles and the Little Ice Age, a forgotten but world-shaping phenomenon. In response, I designed a soft sensing system to visualize subtle climate signals, turning personal observation into a tool for public awareness and environmental understanding.

How it works

This system uses silicone-based soft surfaces embedded with stretchable sensors to detect subtle environmental changes—like temperature, humidity, and pressure. Unlike rigid sensors, the flexible material adapts to natural surfaces and responds visibly by changing color, shape, or texture. I tested various silicone formulations to optimize sensitivity and responsiveness. In parallel, I created ice simulations using sea salt, minerals, and ink, frozen in daily cycles to reflect real weather data—mimicking oceanic conditions and visualizing climate shifts over time. By combining smart sensing with material expression, the project offers a new way to sense and communicate environmental change—highlighting early signals of a potential Little Ice Age.

Design process

The core of this project was developing a material that could intelligently respond to subtle environmental changes. Starting with silicone as a base, I systematically experimented with its elasticity, thickness, porosity, and thermal behavior, refining formulations to improve sensitivity and responsiveness. I embedded stretchable sensors within the silicone layers to detect temperature, humidity, and pressure. The material was engineered to visibly respond—changing color, texture, or shape—based on real-time environmental input. Early prototypes were refined through sensor calibration, layering adjustments, and material testing under different conditions. To simulate environmental cycles, I conducted freeze-thaw experiments with salt-infused water and ink—visually echoing oceanic changes. These tests informed the material’s ability to express dynamic, real-world climate fluctuations. The latest prototype is a modular, responsive panel that visibly reacts to environmental shifts. I’m now refining its interface and exploring real-world applications in public awareness, education, and early warning systems. The final result is a modular, intelligent surface that acts as a live, responsive climate sensor.

How it is different

Most environmental sensing systems are rigid, technical, and built for scientists not the public. They collect data passively and often require expert interpretation, limiting public engagement and awareness. This project combines soft, adaptive materials with environmental sensing and physical simulation, creating a system that is both functional and expressive, offers a visual and tactile experience—like a second skin that reacts to real-world climate changes. Material Intelligence: Silicone-based surfaces are flexible, deployable in diverse settings, and respond in real time—unlike conventional hard sensors. Multi-sensory Feedback: The surface shifts in texture, color, or form based on environmental input, making climate data more intuitive. Designed for Public Engagement: More than a scientific tool, it’s a storytelling surface that invites broader audiences into climate conversations.

Future plans

The next phase focuses on scaling, refining, and real-world testing. I aim to build a fully integrated prototype that combines the silicone-based sensing surface with a wireless sensor array and visual interface, tested in outdoor environments. Key next steps: Material Optimization: Continue testing silicone blends and micro-structured surfaces to enhance sensitivity and durability. Data & Visualization: Develop a real-time interface that maps sensor input through color, texture, or app-based visuals. Research Pilots: Partner with scientists, museums, and schools to install interactive sensing systems in public spaces.

Awards