Project
Rivers of Sofia – Vodoraslo
Built with
Denis Ivanov, Founder
Turning micro-algae into a public installation.
Compact, expressive, and built for a real urban environment — “Vodoraslo” transforms a scientific concept into an interactive installation along the Perlovska river, as part of the Rivers of Sofia festival.
From concept to public experience
“Vodoraslo” began as an idea: to demonstrate how microalgae can absorb pollutants from urban water systems. But turning that into something people can see, understand, and interact with — in an outdoor, public setting — required more than a prototype.
As part of a broader initiative to reconnect the city with its rivers, the installation needed to function both as a technical system and as a visual, engaging object within a festival environment.
A scientific idea, made visible.
We worked closely with the client to translate the initial concept into a buildable and robust installation. The system centered around a network of containers with microalgae, connected through illuminated tubing — making otherwise invisible biological processes tangible.
Every element — from the structural frame to the LED-integrated flow system — was designed to balance clarity, durability, and visual impact in an outdoor setting.
From design to deployment.
We managed the full lifecycle of the installation, ensuring that all components were designed, sourced, and assembled to work reliably on site — and just as importantly, could be efficiently disassembled after the event.
System Design
Full installation architecture, including structure, fluid system, and lighting integration
Custom Fabrication
Enclosure, mounting systems, and algae container network
Electronics
LED lighting system integrated into tubing and control units
Procurement
Complete bill of materials and sourcing coordination
On-site Installation
Assembly, setup, and testing in a live public environment
Deinstallation
Safe removal and teardown post-event
Built for three days — designed to be understood instantly.
Installed along the Perlovska river during the festival, “Vodoraslo” successfully translated a complex environmental process into a clear, engaging public experience.
The installation operated reliably throughout the event, drawing attention to the ecological potential of Sofia’s rivers and contributing to the broader mission of reactivating these overlooked urban spaces.
3
days of continuous public operation
1
fully deployed outdoor installation
30+
interconnected components assembled on site
Resonator helped us bring “Vodoraslo” from concept to a fully deployed installation in an urban environment. They supported the design, material sourcing, and build with a strong focus on practicality. The project explores how algae can improve water quality in rivers, requiring both experimentation and execution — and Resonator made that possible.
Having worked with them before, we knew we could rely on their ability to turn complex ideas into working systems.
Denis Ivanov, Founder
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