Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Fig. 3.3
Project mapped installation - 'Synthesis'
1
'Synthesis' is an interactive installation developed by a group of second year
students to encourage an exploration of synthetic and organic growth within a pro-
jected environment. Using emerging technologies, Synthesis aims to engage the
audience with an artifi cial system of interactive construction and invites participants
to become part of the harmony or imbalance created. Images of the installation dur-
ing preparation and in the fi nal presentation stage are shown in Fig.
3.3
.
Using a process known as projection mapping, Synthesis harnesses a central
free-standing geometric sculpture as a canvas. A video feed is mapped and pro-
jected onto the many surfaces of the sculpture, inviting audience members to view
the installation from 360°, anywhere in the room. Interaction is registered through
Kinect sensors, tracking movement and altering the display accordingly.
Developing within the installation is a planar building block-esque formation
representing engineered or synthetic construction and an organic movement-based
representation which utilises softer, more fl owing aesthetics and palettes. Both are
linked to the level of audience interaction, synthetic elements relying on interaction
for growth and organic elements developing in areas with less interaction.
This particular project is of interest in the context of playful creation and engage-
ment as it marks a milestone in the developmental journey of a team of students who
formed the collective agency, Fantail Studios, whilst enrolled in the degree. In terms
of the rhetorics of play, this indicated a transition into both play as identity and play
as self for the students in the team. This clearly marked the shift into the personal
developmental stage which is commonly encountered with students in their second
year of study. The team describes their relationship with the installation as:
As the creators of Synthesis we have a fi rm personal connection with the ideology of
harmony and balance. These key themes were a major infl uence on the construction of the
installation. Although not necessarily goal driven, there is an underlying desire that audience
members will explore and observe the way they affect the environment, and the conse-
quences of their interaction. With Synthesis, we hope many personal interpretations are
formed, and aim to provide the opportunity for participants to explore the concept of
harmony and synthesis for themselves.
1
2
