USJ Launches “Immersive Mangrove Reading Room” at International Cultural Carnival: A Masterful Fusion of Science, AI, and Sustainability
USJ Launches "Immersive Mangrove Reading Room" at International Cultural Carnival: A Masterful Fusion of Science, AI, and Sustainability
19
Mar
19/03/2026
This project is a major interdisciplinary collaboration between the University Library, the Department of Media, Art, and Technology (FAH), and the Institute of Science and Environment (ISE). It is also a key outcome of USJ’s Mangrove Research Project sponsored by the “Drop by Drop” project of Sands China.
The University of Saint Joseph (USJ) successfully unveiled its groundbreaking interdisciplinary project, the “Immersive Mangrove Reading Room“, at the International Cultural Carnival (ICC) on 14 March. The launch was attended by Ms. Stephanie Zhao, Associate Director of Sustainability, Sands China Ltd., whose vital sponsorship, through the Drop by Drop Project grant to the USJ Institute of Science and Environment (ISE) Mangrove Project, has been instrumental in advancing local ecological conservation and scientific research in Macao.
The “Immersive Mangrove Reading Room” represents an interdisciplinary achievement, bringing together three core pillars of USJ: the Library, the Department of Media, Art, and Technology of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Institute of Science and Environment (ISE). This initiative transformed Macao’s vital mangrove ecosystems into a sensory-rich experience that bridges scientific research with artistic innovation.
[From left to right: Ms. Catarina Lei (USJ Library), Ms. Emily Chan (USJ Library), Prof. Karen Tagulao (USJ-ISE), Ms. Stephanie Zhao (Sands China Ltd)]
Key Exhibition Highlights:
- From Pixel to Physical: The exhibition focuses on the “Ten Mangrove Guardians.” Conceptualized using advanced AI-generative technology based on native Macao Mangroves species, these digital entities were brought into the physical world by the Digital Fabrication Lab (dfLab) using high-precision 3D modeling and printing.
- An Interactive Eco-Quest: Moving away from traditional displays, visitors are invited to act as “researchers.” Equipped with a specially designed Mangrove Researcher’s Handbook, audiences embark on a scavenger hunt across the library to discover the Guardians and the real-world biodiversity they represent.
- Micro-Landscapes: A series of curated “Viewing Boxes” offers an intimate look at miniature mangrove habitats, seamlessly blending AI-generated art with physical natural elements to inspire environmental wonder.
- Digital Mangrove Tree: An installation that symbolizes the deep connections between people and nature.
The Mangroves Project team’s Principal Investigator, Prof. Karen Tagulao of USJ/ISE, expressed her delight with the outcome of this collaboration and looks forward to further engaging local students and the wider public in environmental awareness and conservation through this immersive reading room initiative. Prof. Tagulao stated that “The success of this launch at the ICC highlights the immense potential of cross-faculty collaboration, by weaving together scientific data, digital fabrication, and immersive storytelling, the Immersive Mangrove Reading Room provides a transformative pathway for the community to connect with and protect Macao’s vital coastal heritage”.
