Sentient Corridor - Kinetic Proxemics
Roles: Research / Concept Development / Prototype & Testing
Team Work
M.Des. Programme 2018
The term Proxemics is denoted as “The study of how human beings communicate through their use of space”e”- was coined by E.T.Hall, an anthropologist by profession.
Kinetic Proxemics is referred to as moving body that can determine co-relation between two people by adding or removing space between them.
Design Brief
The brief was to create an interactive space through the use of sociopetal space and sociofugal space to make us understand the importance of nonverbal communication in space design. A space that brings people together, but also allows seclusion and privacy.
Project Goals
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Literature study
Study of Sociopetal and Sociofugal space
Study of Tensegrity structures and anti gravity architecture
Material Test
Understand stretchable fabric movements and properties
Store visits to test fabrics Material test in a given space
Prototyping and User Testing
Multiple look and feel prototype
Design Concept
The Sentient Corridor is a living space that senses the presence of visitors and their touch upon the fabric walls.
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The moving fabric conforms the space around the visitors, which create places that are confined and private, and other places that are open and social.
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The physical environment merges with the acoustic environment, as the visitors can change the music by interacting with the fabric. Thus, it invites the visitors to a sensory dance within an immersive and responsive soundscape that both bring people together and push them apart.
Idea Generation
To initiate the project and inspire ideas, we created small contraptions with interesting mechanical motions.
The leftmost picture of stretchable fabric inspired us to work with kinetic membranes.
Solution
With many prototypes starting from sketches, small-scale models to 3D models, we explored and discussed how the fabric could be stretched into beautiful curves while creating sociofugal and sociopetal spaces.
Material Testing
With many prototypes and small-scale models, we explored and discussed how the fabric could be stretched into beautiful curves while creating sociofugal and sociopetal spaces.
Mechanism Used
The readings from FSR and proximity sensors are sent to the host computer running Pure Data.
The data is used to manipulate the music playing through speakers and to control the movement of linear actuators.
Data is transmitted between the host computers and Arduino boards using the OSC standard and UDP protocol.
Key Factors of the Installation
Measurement of the space was the key.
Building the frame
Installation of Sensors
Fabric strength and stretch-ability test
