Prompt Fountain– Slop Generator is an interactive fountain installation that exposes the hidden water consumption of AI data centers. Six ultrasonic sensors monitor a three-foot detection zone around a ceramic vessel, measuring viewer proximity in real-time. An Arduino microcontroller processes these measurements, converting human presence into proportional water flow. Closer proximity and multiple visitors trigger exponentially higher flow rates, mirroring how data centers scale cooling infrastructure with computational demand.
The weathered ceramic form is adorned with soldered circuit boards, juxtaposing ancient vessels with contemporary technology. As viewers approach, LED indicators illuminate and water consumption increases, making tangible the invisible cost of AI interaction. Each ChatGPT conversation consumes approximately 500ml of water in server cooling. This fountain transforms abstract statistics into immediate, physical experience and implicates viewers in the environmental consequences of artificial intelligence.
Exhibited in Creative Futures Counterstructures Residency Exhibition @ TIAT in San Francisco, CA
