The LNM itself is much more than a model; it is a living, breathing archive of the natural world, inspired by the collections of venerable institutions like London’s Natural History Museum and The Smithsonian, as well as data gathered firsthand by our Studio through innovative technologies such as LiDAR and photogrammetry. Designed to interpret images, text, and sound in a multi-modal way, it offers a platform for discovery, imagination, and collaboration. For me, it is a step toward something I’ve always dreamed of—using technology not just as a tool but as a companion to engage with the beauty and complexity of our planet.
Announcing the Launch of the Living Encyclopedia: Large Nature Model
12.17.2024
Los Angeles, CA
Refik Anadol
At Refik Anadol Studio, every project begins with a question: how can we use technology to deepen our connection to the environments that surround us? For the past eight years, we’ve sought answers through rigorous experimentation, blending creativity and advanced AI technologies to tell stories that are both universal and deeply personal. Today, I am honored to introduce Living Encyclopedia: Large Nature Model (LNM), a project that embodies this journey. Living Encyclopedia: LNM is reimagining the traditional concept of an encyclopedia by transforming static knowledge into an evolving, multi-sensory experience powered by AI, where nature's beauty and complexity are brought to life through dynamic visuals, sound, and interaction.
Our work with Black Forest Labs has been instrumental in bringing the LNM’s V2 vision model to life, combining their expertise in model optimization, distributed training strategies, and accessibility with our vision of creating a powerful, inclusive tool for creative and scientific exploration. Together, we built the LNM’s V2 vision model, part of the FLUX-LNM Pro, using a curated dataset of over 2.6 million images featuring nearly 10,000 unique species, each labeled with both common and scientific names to ensure high-fidelity, precise AI generations that mirror nature as it truly appears.
The Living Encyclopedia: LNM invites you to experience nature in ways you may not have imagined before.
Research Mode
In Research Mode, the LNM becomes your guide to an intricate web of ecosystems, offering tools like real-time weather simulations and a conversational AI agent that reflects on your questions, diving deeper into the data even while you’re away.
As we prepare for the opening of DATALAND, I hope the Living Encyclopedia:LNM becomes a space for curiosity and connection—a bridge between humanity, technology, and the fragile ecosystems that sustain us. To me, this project is not just about what AI can create; it is about what it can teach us, how it can help us reflect on our place in the world, and inspire us to care for it in new and meaningful ways. We can dream of a future where data becomes a language for understanding, where art and science meet to celebrate the wonders of life on Earth. This is just the beginning of the story, and I cannot wait to see how we shape it together.
Apply for Beta access at lnm.dataland.art. By applying, you will have the opportunity to gain early access to this cutting-edge technology and play an active role in refining and expanding the capabilities of the Living Encyclopedia: LNM.
Please join us on this collaborative journey to revolutionize how we connect with our planet. Curiosity inspires discovery!