The Breathing Wall (BRALL)—Triggering Life in(animate) Surfaces

This paper investigates the tactile possibilities of human interaction with synthetic biomorphic surfaces through an interdisciplinary collaboration between arts, materials science, mechanical, and electronics engineering. The authors created a breathing wall (BRALL) composed of nine silicone-based tiles that feel like flesh, breathe, emit sound, and respond to touch by pneumatic activation that is enabled by soft robotics technology. The authors believe combining a flesh-like material with soft motion and tactile responsiveness brings us a step closer to replicating/imitating organic life. The authors also question the potential of interacting with synthetic structures and what the social and cognitive implications of such exchanges could be.