Responsive Environment WShop (FoAM)

After the hardware hacking, I participated at the next workshop in the X-Med-K series: Responsive Environments: sensor data analysis and interpretation, perceptual modelling - 15 November - 21 November, FoAM.

Interesting theoretical stuff, by Maja Kuzmanovic (methodology) and Yon Vistell (sensor stuff) and time and space for practice, the developing of a concept for -and the making of- a responsive environment. We collectively decided about a 'theme', Tom's impressive earthly carrot came out, and then we were separated into two groups; A & B, as in hideous social/psychological experiments... The outcome was peacefull though, two (basic) responsive environments.

Our group (B) made a responsive sitting-bag covered with a 'mosquito net'- like flexible, transparent, tangible, textile structure. The movements of the person inside were captured by a small camera (placed on top) and a microphone inside the bag. The sensordata were processed by Max and via programming translated into abstract images and sounds. The images were projected on the textile surface, both visible for the person inside -who therefore could react on this feedback of his behaviour- as for the audience.

Group A came up with a similar concept, but they made a set up for three persons all having different kind of (let's say intimate) sensors. Their behaviour manipulated a projection and corresponding (accompanying) sounds, from very simple in the beginning to complex and back to basic again...

After the presentation the audience as well as makers were being interviewed in order to use this feedback for improvement/development of the installation.