The workshop was inspired by introductory workshops common in the Physical Computing community began with an introduction to the functionalities of the Atari Punk Console, which served as our analog development board. We focused on the inputs, outputs, and controls of the circuit. The participants were then invited to build their own console on a breadboard. In the second step, participants experimented with a simple water level sensor, which alters its resistance values depending on the water level. As the water height in the glass changed, so did the sound produced by the circuit.

Next, we introduced a comparator, a component that functions like an “if” statement in coding, but is controlled by a potentiometer (a controllable resistor). Finally, a motor was added to the circuit, which rotated according to the water level in the glass. This setup is an analog version of a plant watering system. As noted in the Arduino Forum, projects like this are often made by beginners in the Physical Computing community. At the end of this session, all participants showcased their circuits in an improvised concert, merging the technical aspects with musical expression. Finally, the LiFo interface prototypes were integrated by the participants into their circuits.

In the second part of the workshop, we returned to the context of wildfire management. Using LiFo, we explored speculative future scenarios. These explorations were accompanied by the incorporation of sound into prototyping.

The approach was rooted in critical making, aimed at generating creative ideas rather than focusing on feasibility, as we sought alternative methods to address this complex problem. One idea that emerged from these discussions was the concept of Forest Buoys. The idea focused on buoys equipped with air quality sensors, heat sensors, thermal cameras, and motors that allow them to move toward areas at risk. They would navigate to places where poor air quality and rising temperatures signal potential wildfire danger. The buoys could be deployed during high-risk periods, such as in the summer or after prolonged droughts.

Another idea was the development of Listening Stations in the Forest, a concept that involves using the conductivity of water in trees, moss, or soil to generate sound. Listening devices would be attached to trees or embedded in the soil, producing specific sounds based on conductivity, which would reflect the health of the forest. The goal is to engage with the forest beyond just visual cues, encouraging public awareness and helping people reconnect with nature by “listening” to its state.

A third concept centered on the idea of a Fuel Break. The primary objective of fuel breaks is to create a barrier that can slow or stop the spread of fire. In acute fire situations, constructing fuel breaks generates significant challenges. Fire clouds obstruct visibility, making it difficult to find the optimal location for fuel breaks. During an experiment with LiFo, a sound was triggered only when two people made physical contact. This observation inspired the idea of developing an audio guidance system for constructing fuel breaks. In this system, materials used to create the fuel break could, as in the human chain experiment, make contact and emit different sounds based on their position. This system would help identify the optimal path for placing the fuel break materials. 

The participants interacted playfully with LiFo. The fact that every input created a sound output sparked their interest in experimentation. This open-minded atmosphere resulted in an empowering learning experience. The participants actively explored the creation of new sounds while simultaneously discovering the key technologies of collecting data with sensors and controlling outputs based on that data. This experience empowered them to understand the technologies that are typically used in wildfire management. Beyond that, they drew inspiration from their experiments and used their newly gained knowledge to create their own prototypes.