Ingrid Mayrhofer-Hufnagl and Benjamin Ennemoser present a powerful artistic intervention with their art project xeno-tékton, which not only enables critical examination of climate change but also suggests inspiring and innovative approaches to action and strategies. xeno-tékton is more than a simple reflection on ecological challenges; it is a vision exploring community and co-operation in a broader context. Inspired by the theoretical approaches of Donna Haraway and Karen Barad, the collective explores not only the interconnectedness of the human and non-human worlds but also possibilities for multispectral solidarity.

What can we learn from other forms of being, and how can we change our society to live and interact more equitably with each other, and in more symbiotic ways with the non-human world? Haraway’s and Barad’s theories, which challenge the boundaries between human and non-human, nature and technology, are reflected in xeno-tékton by focusing creative work on human and non-human practices and aesthetics. This concept of ‘xeno-solidarity’, influenced by Haraway’s concept of ‘companion species’, expands our notion of unity and enquires how we can cooperate to create a sustainable and inclusive existence in times of change.

Xeno-tékton focuses on human and non-human practices and aesthetics; alongside various species, machines – artificial intelligence and robotic 3-D printing – are equal participants in the co-creation process. This multispectral co-creation, inspired by Barad’s understanding of ‘intra-action’, emphasises the interdependence and interconnectedness of all protagonists in the art-making process, also including the exhibition period. Sensors integrated into the sculpture record electrophysiological data and environmental data from the surrounding area, which are then analysed using artificial intelligence to recognise patterns that humans cannot see with the naked eye. The technology used enables an exploration of communication between other forms of intelligence and offers a perspective on the transformation processes that characterise cooperation between species, ecosystems and technologies.

The combination of technology, nature and community creates a unique world revealing possibilities for a future of solidarity. Ennemoser and Mayrhofer-Hufnagel encourage us to think outside the box and find new ways of tackling global challenges. The work not only creates a futuristic landscape of human and non-human coexistence, but also initiates dialogue on how humans, nature and technology can work together in an increasingly interconnected world. Xeno-tékton is a call to action that encourages us to build bridges between worlds and collaborate to create a sustainable future.

b_NAB, founded by Ingrid Mayrhofer-Hufnagl and Benjamin Ennemoser, is an interdisciplinary office working in the fields of architecture, art, science and technology. Focusing on architectural installations, interactive art, film and animation, b_NAB uses artificial intelligence, sensory interfaces and digital media to explore the latent relationships between human and non-human actors on different levels – from micro to planetary.

The art and design collective – internationally active from locations in the USA, Austria and Italy – is  characterised by a speculative, research-oriented approach. The works of b_NAB have been exhibited worldwide, including at the Resilienze Festival (Bologna), Rolex Centre (Lausanne), SXSW (Austin), iMAL (Brussels) and the Architecture Biennial (Prague).