Wintersemester 2016/2017, BA/MA Textil- und Material-Design eLab

Blowin In the Wind

Blowin in the Wind

Gregory Krouse

The natural power and unpredictable rhythms and patterns of wind are captured by a motion sensitive surface to produce a programmable symphony of naturally influenced sounds. Inspired by numerous natural structures such as leaves, grass, hair and even the tail of the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake, it combines simple flexible materials with conductive materials to form a texture that is digital in function while remaining organic in stimulus, handing over control of the melody to nature.

This project takes a step towards translating movement into sound similar to wind chimes. With a surface made from flexible and conductive materials the object no longer produces sound through its acoustic properties but becomes a translator of movement through random electrical contacts. By linking these contacts to various sounds from nature, one can imagine filling an interior space with the songs of birds or rustling leaves each time the wind blows outside.

However, the project’s implications are even wider by literally connecting a natural environment with the virtually unlimited realm of digital information. This results in a division of the actual movement and the resulting auditory phenomenon. Thus the device creates a link from analog forces and a world of digital possibilities.