Bubble – The Constant Moment
This project consists of a giant bubble that lasts for around 12 hours and is five meters in diameter. This is achieved using specially engineered film and climate control systems (which are undoubtedly digital in nature). Although I found the site of the firm that did the climate control, http://www.transsolar.com/, I was unable to find any specific information about how this was achieved (I sent some emails, so hopefully I will find out soon). The engineering behind must be pretty insane and I think it is rather fascinating to think about. For example: what is happening molecularly that allows the membrane to last so long? Is it even using water, or is it composed of some polymer? How is it kept aloft (maybe filled with helium and air)? Also, what does it mean to create a system that is artificially prolonged beyond typical human experience?
http://en.aros.dk/about-aros/press/2012/exhibition-2013/ (scroll down to see blurb about artwork)
Crayon Creatures
This is a project that takes children’s drawings and converts them into three dimensional models with the drawings as textures. These models are then printed out using sandstone (which allows for coloration). The process involves selecting a contour, using the contour to inflate (in a simulation) a mesh and further smooth the mesh using physics relaxation. This is an awesome idea. Except that kids cannot play with there creations. This is probably because the sandstone is fragile and not a good thing to eat. Given the current technology (with very few color 3d printer methods available) this is somewhat unavoidable. However, it is still disappointing that the kids are unable to play with there own creations. Making mementos for there parents is fine, but the power of this concept is giving kids a new mode of creation. If kids cannot use there own creations, it looses value as a tool. (I guess this falls under surprised, since it looks so kid friendly but really isn’t).
The Ascent
A person wears EEG brain wave sensor. The device lifts the person depending on his or her level of concentration. In addition, it creates increasing amounts of distracting stimuli as the person rises, thus increasing the challenge. While this may not be amazing to watch, indeed rather disappointing I find it compelling. Coupling concentration tasks with something as simple (well probably not simple in the technical sense) as being lifted vertically is ingenious. I remember imagining that I could fly using my mind as a child, and without a doubt one of the most insane lucid dream experiences is flying. In the case of dreaming the mind really does seem to control flight. So it is almost a realization of dreams, this device that lets one “fly” using the mind. I would like to try it. Hopefully its more fun to do than it is to watch.