The Telegarden (1995-2004)
Summary
The Telegarden (1995–2004) was an interactive art installation that connected a physical greenhouse to the World Wide Web, allowing users to plant, water, and monitor seedlings via a robotic arm. Developed at USC and later housed at Ars Electronica, it explored the social dynamics of online communities and the concept of the digital commons, with extensive archival materials and media coverage documenting its impact. The project remains a landmark in telepresence, shared governance, and the relationship between humans and automated systems on the web.