Silicon Souls

Foundations of Innovation

The complexity of our industries and the objects they produce, is constantly increasing. Semiconductor production is one of the trailblazer of this evolution, pushing boundaries by patterning and manipulating matter at the nano scale. Yet such progress is never achieved in isolation. It relies on an often-overlooked ecosystem of supporting industries: from the mines extracting metals to the refineries shaping steel and aluminium, to the global networks processing and delivering industrial solutions, all working together to make innovation possible.

What’s the Story Behind “Silicon Souls”?

In the past, alchemists dreamed of turning lead into gold. Even Isaac Newton spent years exploring this idea. In recent times, scientists at the Large Hadron Collider actually managed to do it. However, we believe the real magic is in semiconductors. We take sand and turn it into silicon chips that store information, ideas, and money on them. These chips power everything around us. It’s not just turning matter into something valuable, it’s creating the foundations for whole digital worlds. Since Eindhoven is often called “Europe’s Silicon Valley,” we believe we should lead not only in tech, but also in responsibility. At DES.ENG.AGE. we think that “those who create are responsible.” That’s why Silicon Souls, our contribution to Dutch Design Week, is meant to highlight the deep connection between innovation and ethics where technologists think about their impact, and citizens are part of shaping the digital world. Let’s burst the social bubbles and dream of an ideal world together.

What will the installation look like?

Silicon Souls is an abstract, meditative installation that reveals the hidden complexity of the microchip industry. Built together by engineers and local designers, the work takes the shape of a large cone-like chandelier that slowly moves while releasing fine sand (SiO₂) onto silicon wafers. The shifting patterns reimagine the nano-scale speed of photolithography as a calm, human-scale process, a kind of zen garden of technology. Its polished surface reflects an architecture of connections. Each layer becomes a story, sparking conversation with visitors. The installation also pays homage to the people behind the industry, with figurines representing contributors to the project.