HKU University of the Arts Utrecht

Sanctuaria Aquatica

finalist project

Fenna Hofstede

Sanctuaria Aquatica is a willow-woven insect hotel designed to protect and support life in the shallow waters of the Netherlands, where ecosystems face threats from pollution, shelter loss, and climate stress. Providing food, shelter, and nesting spaces for birds and small aquatic animals, it creates a safe haven that encourages local biodiversity. The willow branches root and grow, fostering new foliage and habitat. This project emphasizes the power of local action, showing how small efforts to support “small neighbors” in nearby environments can rebuild connections between people and nature, promoting care and resilience within the community.

The Cry of the Sea

Nonfinalist project

Zenna Molenschot

The Cry of the Sea is an immersive installation project that explores the emotional and environmental impact of human activity on marine ecosystems. Inspired by research on overconsumption, ghost nets, and biodiversity loss, the project evokes emotions ranging from helplessness to awe. The installation combines collected synthetic fishing nets with biomaterials made from algae—crafted using homegrown spirulina and agar—to create a tactile contrast between the artificial and the organic. Designed to partially decompose, the work highlights the persistent legacy of plastic waste. Through light, scent, and scale, the project invites viewers to reflect on their ecological footprint and relationship with the sea.

The Understory is an interactive installation that reveals the hidden life of fungi through responsive visuals, sound, and movement. It invites visitors to engage with the underground world of mycelium networks—systems vital to soil health, ecosystems, and environmental balance. Often overlooked, these fungal networks are made visible and audible, creating an intimate encounter with our unseen neighbors. As participants move through the space, the installation responds, allowing the mycelium to "speak" and share its wisdom. The experience encourages empathy, curiosity, and stewardship, reminding us of our interconnectedness with fungi and the importance of nurturing the living systems beneath our feet.

Shirley Niemans works at the Centre for Creative Technology at HKU and is part of the Art, Technology, and Ecology project group. She developed and ran Lab Pastoe, a new experimental space for materials research and crossovers between techniques, and currently works on the redevelopment of the HKU Biolab. She holds a BA in interactive art and music (KABK and KC, The Hague), and an MA in New Media and Digital Culture. She recently graduated from the BioHack Academy at Waag Amsterdam and is exited to be part of the developments around bioArt, biodesign and circular making.

Kas Houthuijs has a background in neurobiology and biomedical sciences, but his real interest is in the interdisciplinary field of art and ecology. Real innovation happens where the visions of different fields can question and enhance each other. At HKU he teaches BioLab for Designers as a course and at the Waag Future Lab in Amsterdam he teaches the BioHack Academy. Kas believes that artists and designers have great responsibility in the sustainability transition, and he tries to aid this goal through education.

Than van Nispen As a master in both Music and Biology Than van Nispen lectures on both the domains of composition in context, like film and game music, as well as biological and ecological approaches to art, music and sound. Than is a lecturer and researcher at HKU School of Music and Technology where he lectures mostly on Sonic Interaction Design, (interactive) composition in contexts and art & ecology. He is also a music composer for (interactive) live concerts, (art)games and interactive installations.