‘Bioluminescence’ is an interactive light installation.
In nature, bioluminescence occurs in living organisms (often single-celled organisms such as plankton in oceans). As a defense mechanism, plankton release chemicals which cause light to be emitted from their bodies to expose their predators. A large collaboration can result in a spectacular light show at night-time on the ocean’s surface.
Inspired by these fascinating natural light shows, our aim was to create an immersive interactive experience. Using 3D gesture-tracking (Kinect), Processing, a Mac Mini and a projector, we tried to simulate an under-water effect. Processing libraries were used to track motion from the Kinect and to create visual effects. These visual effects were created to be as close as possible to the blue-white trails of light that plankton produce in the sea.
In a small, entirely dark room, the projector was directed at the ceiling and the Kinect was positioned to detect movement from people who entered the room. The visual effects were projected onto the ceiling to simulate an ‘underwater’ bioluminescent light show.
Team:
Rebecca Vafiadis (Strategist)
Qiaqia Wang (Technical Lead)
Mina Liu (Visual Design & Tech)
Bona Lee (Visual Design & Tech)
