Displaced Resonance

Interactive Intermedia Installation

This installation consists of sixteen sculpture forms, networked in a responsive grid controlling light and sound, based on visitor proximities. Full-range internal loudspeakers drive sound through the sculptures. A computer system using an infrared camera, tracks the movement of visitors and responds by controlling the distribution of sound to the tubes, while also controlling LED lighting associated with the sculptural forms. Sounds played through the forms consist of field recordings gathered in Japan.  The title of the installation refers to removal of the sounds from their original physical and cultural contexts, and the imposition of new physical and cultural resonance.

The protyping process included both physical and virtual models to design and build both the form and the interaction. The physical prototypes were interpreted in a virtual model, investigating the  spatial interaction of the structure with an avatar - where the sculpture interacted with avatar proximity and presence. The interactive functionality was scripted in the virtual world and again modeled  in the sensored version in physical reality. After several virtual iterations, the form was recently re-interpreted and fabricated to have a physical form and be interacted with in a public context. In future iterations, Displaced Resonance in its once-again physical manifestation has the additional capability now to be influenced by remote and virtual gestures and interactions.