Reflection Field

Our team created a mechanical installation of small reflective panels and individual continuous servo motors mounted to a wall within 3577 Studios. The motors are indirectly controlled by visitors using large potentiometer dial located on a podium in front of the installation. Using TouchDesigner as an interface, the mechanical input affects the behavior of a noise generator which in turn renders values that individual set the speed and direction of rotation of each motor. Thus, seemingly creating random movements that the user can impact. As the reflective panels rotate, targeted beams of light for each panel move around the space creating an interactive, light and motion experience. 

Our installation consisted of a few separate parts that worked together. The main assembly was manufactured out of three pieces of conduit tubing which were held in place by two metal anchors to the wall.

Four acrylic brackets, which held a servo and a reflective panel, were mounted onto the conduit. Wiring was integrated into the structure for a clean appearance, using custom-drilled holes as well as the hollow tubing.

The entire mechanical assembly was controlled by an Arduino with a 16-channel servo control connected to a laptop. The laptop also controlled the interactive element of the installation, as well as displayed the light projection.

We projection mapped colorful points of light to each individual panel. When the panel rotates, they change in angle and plane, creating dynamic, fast-moving light projections throughout the entire room.

Our final assembly utilized various different technologies and fabrication techniques. We used TouchDesigner to control the servos and create the projection, and we digitally fabricated the panels and brackets using a laser cutter.

Our main takeaways included learning how to use servos, and learning about different assembly techniques (glue vs. tape, creating sturdy wired connections, etc).