Interactive Architecture
The fiber optic wall was the next step to the film+media experiment, only this time engaging the user on a different level. I wanted a piece that would grab the users attention, make them question how they are perceiving it, begin to interact with it, then look further into how the piece is working. The fiber optic wall was the solution to this process.
A 18”x36” piece was conceived with the top 18”x18” being made of mirrored styrene and the bottom out of black illustrator board. A 10x10 grid of holes was on each 18”x18” square. From one hole at the top, to the corresponding hole at the bottom, a fiber optic cable would run. A spot light was then fixed about 8’ from the wall, and shone directly on the upper square surface. The light hitting the upper square would infiltrate into the fiber optic cable, and would be emitted from the end of the cable, on the bottom half. The process is illustrated in the diagram to the left.
It was an exhibit for the 5th Year Abstract show and was going to be a wall mounted piece that was centered at just below eyeline. The mirror would grab the users attention because everyone is intrigued to see their reflection, while they were seeing themselves in the mirror, they would look below, and recognize a shadowed imprint of their head in a grid of lights below. This intrigue of how their shadow could possibly be below would intrigue the user to move themselves and notice the changing shapes in the light. Once the user began to interact with it, they would question the process and approach the back side of the piece, to discover the vast grid of fiber optic cables. 1. user interacting with wall at abstract show fall 2007
2. fibre optic system on back of wall
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[fiber optic table] Techno / Human InteractivityPhysical Manifestation
A table in its purest form with a technological twist, the re::ACTIVE table creates an interactive experience with itself and the user. The table no longer functions as a stratic inanimate object, rather it takes on a dynamic experience generated from the user and their activities whether with light, video projections, or objets placed on the table. A series of underlying fiber optic grids receive light [input] from one end and emit [output] it from the opposite side of the table.
The table, constructed out of steel, plexiglass, plywood and 340’ of fiber optic cables, is an experiment in how a simple looking piece of furniture can engage its user beyond the simple use of being a table. Stemming from the experiment of the fiber optic wall, the re::ACTIVE table used a system of 14x14 grids that rested under a piece of frosted plexiglass. The grid is not apparent from above while it rests in seclusion under the frosted plexi, but when light is introduced via video project or light source, the table comes alive with one half of the table flooded with light, and the other half glowing in a 14x14 blurred grid of lights. Add the element of a video projector or fluctuating light source and the table comes alive as the emitted light dances around the grid and outputs the light values that are being inputted from the light source.
Introduce the human element and this is where the interactivity begins. If you look to the left you can see an example of a user interacting with the table,
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1. user waving hand and created shadow effect on opposite side of table
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by waving his hand under the light, and realizing his shadow created on the opposite side of the table. The table’s surface is moving with his movement. Add a glass or a magazine, once they move around, their shadow moves around as well. The table is intended to be an enhancer to the activities of the table. If two people were conversing at the table having a drink, it would only add to the conversation.
The construction of the table was a great learning experience in itself. First modeling it in the computer let me take advantage of precise measurements, cuts and welds. I created a frame from tube steel and plate steel, and welded all the connections. Once done welding I grinded the welds down to make smooth surfaces for future connections to the plexiglass and for aesthetic reasons. Then came the fiber optic gridding. To achieve a surface that would be emit enough light to receive the shadow effects, I implemented a 14x14 grid. 196 strands were used at 21” a piece, resulting in the use of 340’ of cables. I drilled the holes at 9/64” to allow the fiber cable and its jacket to fit snug in each hole and therefore defeat any need for adhesives. The plywood sheet of grid was then wired with all 196 cables, stretching from one side to the next. After the cables were wired I placed the sheet on supports within the frame of the table then placed the sanded piece of plexi on top. The supports I made for the plexi and plywood were inset deep enough to create a flush surface with the plate steel. I connected the plexi to the steel with a clear silicone adhesive, similar to glass to glass connections.
The table was presented at the Vellum Furniture competition and well received. Users interacted with it as I intended and proved it successful.
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1. initial sketch of program combination 2. users interacting with table at vellum show 3. music in itunes and its visualizer function, along
with a video projector create a moving surface
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