c o n c e p t | W E A R A B L E . S P A C E S¶
The “Wearable Spaces” project is an innovative exploration of interactive scenography, blending wearable technology, wireless control systems, and dynamic paper installations. At its core, the project enables performers to become the creators of immersive environments, using their movements to shape and transform the surrounding scenography. A stretch sensor, integrated into a wearable device, acts as the primary input, allowing performers to control multiple outputs wirelessly. These outputs include kinetic paper installations, such as origami birds that move or fold, and inflatable paper structures activated by fans. This integration of body, technology, and space transforms the performer into both the artist and the architecture of the performance.
The wearable stretch sensor is designed to detect the performer’s movements, such as arm extensions or torso stretches, translating these actions into commands. Wireless communication ensures that these commands are seamlessly transmitted to the various outputs on stage. For instance, a subtle stretch could unfurl a series of origami birds, creating a poetic sense of flight. A more dramatic movement might activate hidden fans, inflating large paper structures that envelop the space, adding a sense of scale and immersion. These outputs are modular, allowing for a variety of combinations, tailored to the performance’s narrative or emotional tone.
The use of paper as the primary material connects the project to themes of fragility, transformation, and sustainability. Paper installations can range from intricate origami forms to large, collapsible sculptures. The lightweight nature of paper makes it highly responsive, ideal for dynamic scenography. Fans or pneumatic systems can bring the paper to life, creating waves, pulses, or expansion, while integrated LED lights or projection mapping can add depth and color, enhancing the visual impact. This material choice also underscores the ephemeral nature of the performance, as paper embodies both creation and destruction, reminding us of the delicate balance between human activity and the environment.
The flexibility of this interactive system offers endless possibilities for artistic expression. Choreographers, theater directors, and visual artists can use the wearable device to craft performances where movement directly shapes the environment, creating a dialogue between the performer and the space. The wireless setup ensures freedom of movement, enabling performers to navigate the stage unencumbered. This interplay of human action and responsive scenography invites audiences into a world where technology enhances, rather than detracts from, the intimacy of live performance.
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w h a t
My final project explores the connectivity between the exterior and interior of the body, and the relationship between body, emotions, and expression. It merges the concept of wearability into a broader understanding, where we are both objects and subjects. Using wearable electronics as a foundation, the project integrates flexible sensors, conductive threads, and flexible electronics to create a system where movement and emotional states can be controlled and expressed. The project will allow the user to impact the surrounding space, control objects, alter sound, and manipulate lighting—showcasing a new form of interaction between the body and its environment.
w h y
The project aims to challenge the conventional understanding of wearables and self-expression, highlighting the interplay between control and freedom. While self-expression and control may seem contradictory, they can actually complement each other. The project explores how these two concepts can coexist in harmony, offering individuals a way to express their emotions and inner states while maintaining control over their environment. The goal is to redefine how we use technology for emotional expression, self-awareness, and interaction with the world around us.
w h e r e
The project will be developed in a variety of environments—both in a lab setting, where the technical aspects of wearable electronics and sensors will be tested, and in real-world spaces where the interaction with sound, light, and objects can be explored. It will be showcased in a gallery or installation setting, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the connection between body, emotions, and the surrounding space. Additionally, it could be used in performances or spaces that allow for real-time emotional expression, such as live music events or immersive installations.
w h e n
The project will be completed as final phase of my Fabricademy experience. The timeline will span a few months, starting with research and prototyping, followed by integration of the wearable electronics and biomaterials. The flexibility of the project will also allow for ongoing development and adaptation beyond the initial showcase.
f o r | w i t h . w h o
The project is designed for anyone interested in the intersection of art, technology, and human interaction, particularly those working in fields like wearable technology, music, performance art, or engineering. It is meant for artists who wish to explore new forms of self-expression and control, as well as engineers and technologists working on the cutting edge of wearable electronics. The collaborative nature of the project allows for exploration with musicians, dancers, or other performers who can incorporate the wearable elements into their work, creating a multi-disciplinary approach that merges body movement, technology, and artistic expression.