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

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