Breath
Project Duration: 2 Weeks
A collaborative physical computing project between Fue Yang and myself, exploring the presence of the viewer. In its passive state, Breath is a dark empty room. Only when a participant enters, is the space transformed. A fan turns on, and a projector shines on a silk sheet, projecting a human form emerging and dissipating within a few seconds.
Breath was designed as a contemplative space for its participants. The central concept behind Breath was for audience to think about the power of simply being present. As the participant wanders through the darkness, a moment of serendipity is sparked when they unknowingly activate the PIR sensor.
The work is activated when someone enters the space, turning the PIR motion sensor 'on'. This 'on' input is sent to the Arduino and a digital signal is sent to Processing via Arduino Firmata. This causes two reactions simultaneously. When the 'on' signal is sent to the powerswitch tail, the fan turns on and blows into the fabric. At the same time an animation projects on the fabric.
We hoped to create an experience that was contemplative with room for discovery and critical engagement. With these goals in mind, we chose a black silk sheet that was suspended from the ceiling and matched the height and color of the room (Black Box Gallery). Another advantage of using silk was its responsiveness to the fan's currents, constructing beautiful forms in the wind.
Materials- Arduino Uno
- PIR (Passive Infrared) Motion Sensor
- Mac mini
- Projector
- Breadboard
- HDMI cord
- Powerswitch tail
- Silk fabric
- Fan