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CELLFISH – Discussing the impacts of genetic modification in aquaculture in VR

CELLFISH is a 3 minute VR installation simulating the conditions of genetically modified salmon farming to highlight the consequences of industrial aquaculture. In the virtual environment, viewers navigate an underwater space where salmon appear around them at different heights and sizes, replicating the overcrowded conditions of a typical breeding tank. 

There are both Atlantic wild salmon and genetically modified salmon in the tank to showcase the contrast between the two. The confined area demonstrates densities 10-20 times higher than in the wild. The experience extends to an industrial facility, showcasing the harvesting process. To enhance the feeling of claustrophobia, we added an animation to the tank, where the tank itself gets increasingly smaller, a sound, and video texture on all surrounding surfaces were added to simulate water. 

By blending science with immersive storytelling, the project CELLFISH challenges perceptions of industrial aquaculture, sparking dialogue on bioengineering, sustainability, and animal welfare. 

'CELLFISH' was exhibited at Berlin Design Week 2025.

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