MIN's PLAYGROUND HOME


SOMEWHERE IN A MOMENT*
ITP WINTER SHOW 2005 VERSION _ by SANGMIN HA / AYA OTA / OYKU CAKAR





CONCEPT/MOTIVATION "Somewhere in a Moment" was created to form a peaceful and tranquil environment using elements from nature, such as water, sound, and visuals that are composed of natural images; and combining these natural elements with the components of technology. The idea for this project was initiated from the concept of creating a peaceful environment by using elements from nature, and combining them with technology in order to create a calm atmosphere. Water, sound (music), and visual images from nature all come together to form this atmosphere. As a group (Aya, Sangmin and Oyku) we are inspired from nature and the calm and peaceful environment that nature forms. By using technological elements, we aim to bring the natural outside world into the interior environment to present a relaxing environment for people who are overwhelmed by everyday stress. From the beginning of the project we decided that we wanted to create something that involves nature. Initially we wanted to bring a large flower into the interior environment, but then we decided to use a bowl of water that engages smaller flowers which interact with the user. The peaceful sounds that the flowers create form a relaxing environment. The aimed audience for Somewhere in a Moment is anyone who is stressed, who seeks a quiet and peaceful environment and needs to relax with elements of nature.
     

USER SCENARIO Somewhere in a Moment is designed so that the users can experience a natural environment within the fields of technology. When the user approaches the stand, they observe ripples within the water bowl that are dripping from tubes that are located above the stand. When they put the flowers into the bowl, the flowers' movement causes a peaceful music to play, as well as changing the images that are projected onto the wall. The projector is located below the water bowl, so the images that are projected on the wall move according to the ripples formed in the bowl. The natural images aim to create a peaceful and relaxed environment along with the music that is formed with the movement of the flowers.

 
TECHNICAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION The ripples are only created when there are people around to experience the project, which are detected with a PIR sensor. The PIR sensor is connected to the servomotors, which are connected to the water filled tubes that form the ripples. When motion is detected, the servomotor causes the tubes to change position and as a result causes water to drop into the bowl, which form the ripples. Meanwhile, the movement of the flowers is detected with a video camera and is processed in Max/MSP Jitter, and the sound is assembled according to the intensity of the movement. The visual images that are projected onto the wall are also processed in Max/MSP Jitter, and change accordingly with movement.

 

PROJECT REFERENCES, RESEARCH AND LITERATURE To create the best relaxing environment that involves nature, the elements of nature were observed with a trip to Central Park. The flow of water, the ripples formed, and the movement of the ducks were inspiring aspects for the project.

     

CONCLUSION Consequently, our project aims to reflect the peacefulness of nature by using technological aspects. People who experience "Somewhere in a Moment" will find themselves calmer and more relaxed.