floating atoll: branch

Gizmodo: Digital Sculpture at Heathrow Airport Demonstrates that Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining

February 3, 2008 · Leave a Comment

Troika | art and design studio | london | Sms Guerrilla Projector

In response, we created ‘Cloud’, a five meter long digital sculpture whose surface is covered with 4638 flip-dots that can be individually addressed by a computer to animate the entire skin of the sculpture. Flip-dots were conventionally used in the 70s and 80s to create signs in train-stations and airports. We were fascinated by their materiality, by the way they physically flip from one side to the other. The sound they generate is also instantly reminiscent of travel, and we therefore decided to explore their aesthetic potential in ‘Cloud’.

By audibly flipping between black and silver, the flip-dots create mesmerising waves as they chase across the surface of ‘Cloud’. Reflecting its surrounding colours, the mechanical mass is transformed into an organic form that appears to come alive, shimmering and flirting with the onlookers that pass by from both above and below.

— via Gizmodo

Reminds me of the snowcrash product line for some reason. I bet it sounds like the digital sign at the Hult Center. Swoosh, swoosh.

Categories: Culture · Technology
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