GLOW - Blobs
Nov 9, 2024
Description -
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Vormgeving
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Group project GLOW
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Nov 9, 2024
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Multidisciplinair
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Samenwerken
Onderzoeken
Betekenis geven
Vormgeven
Project managen
Concept development
Together with my classmate, I came up with a concept for the GLOW festival. We wanted to create an interactive light installation that offers a unique experience. The idea was large, glowing blobs that seem to be alive. The blobs would respond to the presence of visitors with light and sound, creating an alien-like atmosphere.
Mood board
After choosing our idea, we created a mood board to make the atmosphere and style clearer. This provided us with guidance during the further process.
Material research
Research
To create the blobs, we tested various materials. This was challenging because the shape had to be specific, tough, and beautifully translucent. We experimented with melting plexiglass, vacuum forming plastic over a mold, and other techniques. Additionally, we sought advice from teachers in Boxtel and artists from GLOW. Ultimately, we opted for epoxy combined with a translucent fabric over a mold. This gave us the right balance between shape, transparency, and sturdiness.
Prototyping
Research
collaborate
We made simple prototypes on a small scale, both for the technology and for the casing. This allowed us to test what a nice color pattern is and how the light should pulse. For the casing, we made a small blob of Styrofoam in Boxtel. I experimented with epoxy and fabric, which ultimately led to a small blob prototype. This helped us see how the light spread inside and how sturdy the construction could be.
Location determination
collaborate
Before we could design the blobs, we needed to know where they would go. Since each blob is tailored for a specific location, this was an important step. Initially, we wanted to spread 18 blobs along the entire GLOW route. This plan changed when the organization offered us a new location: an alleyway. Although this place seemed better for an immersive experience, it also brought challenges, such as safety with large visitor flows and the risk of being overshadowed by other projects nearby. It was also suggested to place us in Victoriapark, but after a site visit, we found this less suitable.
Emma District
Eventually, we were assigned a spot in the Emma District, a central location with many opportunities to display the blobs. After this was confirmed, we created sketches of the possible placements. We presented these sketches to the owner of the Emma District and the involved shopkeepers, who gave their approval.
Production
I carried out the production in my parents' shed in Limburg, because I had enough space there and could perform the work best. In this space, I formed and finished all the blobs so that they were ready for the installation of the technology back in Eindhoven.
Technique
We installed the technique at school. During production, we created openings in the back of the blobs so that we could easily place the LED strips. We integrated the LED strips and the printed circuit board into the blobs, ensuring they were protected and kept dry. We placed the battery outside the blobs in a waterproof box. This made it easy to remove and charge the batteries at the end of the evening.
Sound
Sound was an important part for me, as it would enrich the experience and bring the story to life. When the person who was supposed to create the sound dropped out, I made various audio variants myself at the last minute for each speaker.
By combining bubbling water sounds, heartbeats, high tones, and monster sounds, an ambient sound was created that perfectly matched the blobs.
Construction
For the setup, we arranged a lift to hang three blobs, as they were above 2.5 meters. This meant we had to take safety measures into account. The other blobs could be easily placed on the ground. These were laid out at the beginning of the evening and later cleaned up.
Construction and deconstruction
For the setup and teardown, my classmate and I went to the location every evening to position and secure the blobs. Fortunately, we were able to use an empty building nearby to safely store and charge the blobs. After the first day, we noticed that visitors sometimes handled them roughly, which led us to make small adjustments to prevent the blobs from being damaged.
Final result
During GLOW, we received a lot of positive reactions. It was amazing to see how curious everyone was. The installation was not only inviting for children, but adults also enjoyed touching the blobs and discovering it.
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