Immersive Lab art residency

icst door

Immersive Lab is part of the Institute for Computer Music and Sound Technology in Zurich. The lab itself has a setup with 360 degree projection screen, 16 speakers and touch-based interaction.

During the residency I developed an interactive installation by combining older audiovisual synth used for live performances with the new sound and interaction engine. The title of the work was “The Chemical Basis Of” as most of the algorithms in it were based on Alan Turings article on mathematical models of patterns emerging in nature.

Initially I planned to use an experimental Max/MSP Jitter patch that creates endless 2001 Space Odyssey interdimensional experience(generative visuals and generative choir sound inspired by Ligeti’s Lux Aeterna). But within the context of Immersive Lab setup it didn’t work that well. A big part of the research during this residency was figuring out how to remove myself from the performance piece and let the audience control the composition.

In the end I adapted the synth used for the Congo Blue piece by adding the generative choir sound engine and interaction layer to it. The sound was lightly spatialized to 16 speakers placed around the screen. There were several modes and intensites of interaction, all of them based on the touch. After all the components were ready, I created a ~15m composition where all these aspects were combined: some parts were not interactive but audio-visuals were intense, some were quiet with strong interaction, some would let the users bounce the visuals and sounds between each other, etc.

Techincally, the whole system is based on Max/MSP/Jitter and sequenced by IanniX software. Video tracking and projection mapping was done by Immersive Lab team.

immersive lab

More info on the project page: Immersive Lab