shedsite

Audio responsive light feature – last lap

shedsite — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 11:55:16 +0000

Installed in early April 2008, the audio responsive light feature completes the series of work created for the new Barton hill School and Children’s Centre. The design engages with the ecological remit of the new school through use of recycled plastics and low energy consumption, this work could be solar powered, and has been designed with this in mind.

audio responsive light feature in-situ

In light of ‘public art’ permanency this feature incorporates change rather than existing as a static sculpture. An aesthetic experience is generated through interaction. By employing the use of sensor-led technology, sound levels generate a visual response through the medium of light.

The structure spans two floors of the building The framework is constructed to hold plastic forms moulded from sheets that are 100% recycled – made from plastic water bottles & broken CDs (Smiles Plastics Ltd). The material has a deep blue translucency speckled with the reflective glitter of broken cds

adjusting the led network before adding the external housing

Housing microphone / sensor technology that triggers LEDs this sparkly cosmos comes alive. Loud noise shut the lights off and differing responses are triggered by direct voice levels in proximity to the hidden microphones The circuitry is built by collaborator & technologist Mark Newbold and uses less power than a 60watt light bulb.

the making..

responses to installed glazing

shedsite — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:42:53 +0000

“Just a quick email to say how absolutely wonderful the 2 artworks look. I am so very pleased with them both and they add a huge amount to the spaces they are in. I will ask for feedback from staff and students but I am very very pleased with the outcome. Many thanks, Simon”
Simon Robinson – head B.H. Primary & Childrens Centre

“I called in on Friday and the work that has been done so far looks fantastic – well done! ” Jacqui Macfarlane – B.H. Childen’s Centre manager

sound level test for audio responsive light feature

shedsite — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 11:38:19 +0000

Mark explains the electronics board he’s constructed for the microphone, the variations in sound levels will be visible in the LEDs.

video footage of sound check:

corridor glazing installed

shedsite — Mon, 03 Dec 2007 15:30:57 +0000

entrance glazing installed

shedsite — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:23:43 +0000

ground floor corridor window designs

shedsite — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:20:00 +0000

Design key requirements:
monochrome (no colour)
transparent so as not to obstruct light
site responsive and educational

images of school children with flower motif (child’s drawing) have been constructed with reference to the ‘golden section’ or Fibonacci numerical series.

The idea references the ‘golden section’ & was prompted by a conversation with Tom Mason – we mentioned how the hall seemed of cathedral proportions & Tom thought the ‘golden section’ may have been used in it’s architectural design.

The flower drawings in the design illustrate the Fibonacci number series:
1>2>3>5>8

In the 12th century, Leonardo Fibonacci discovered a simple numerical series that is the foundation for an incredible mathematical relationship behind phi.

Starting with 0 and 1, each new number in the series is simply the sum of the two before it. 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, . . .

Divide any number in the Fibonacci sequence by the one before it, for example 55/34, or 21/13, and the answer is always close to 1.61803. This is known as the Golden Ratio, and hence Fibonacci’s Sequence is also called the Golden Sequence. (http://goldennumber.net/fibonser.htm)

This image illustrates use of the Golden Grid™ – you can print the “Golden Ruler”© grid and use it to see the golden section and phi in various objects. (http://goldennumber.net/images/goldenrulercard.gif)

entrance glazing designs

shedsite — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 15:02:13 +0000

The entrance glazing is designed to be a bright & cheerful front façade to the street – taking advantage of the available light without obstructing it.

The transparent shapes will cast colour into the inside of the space on bright days.

The overlaid white etch drawings will stand out in daylight against the transparent colours whilst also having a strong graphic impact at night when affected by ambient street lighting – added to this, a stained glass effect will be visible if back lit by interior lighting.

GMPs (general manifestation patterns) Oct 2007

shedsite — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 19:38:16 +0000

To comply with DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) requirements, glass partitioning and doors require physical markings or manifestation. Drawings from the site visits by the art group & others collected from the school, have been designed and produced on adhesive vinyl for all glazed areas within the school. They look great & we’re looking forward to the childrens responses when they see them in a couple of weeks time.

light feature Sept / Oct 2007

shedsite — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 18:46:01 +0000

the plastic sheets made from recycled water bottles and crushed cds have been kiln moulded by Mac & Colin at Smiles factory in Southport. Here they are laid out after cutting in preparation for production of the steel framework.

testing the light sequencing in one of the end sections..

The light feature spans 2 floors of the school & will be responsive to sound levels, loud noise will generate a switch off whilst directed vocals will trigger different intensities of light. The most awesome response will be from quiet contemplation…

The amount of power used is comparable to a 60watt lightbulb which ideally would be generated by a solar panel.

nursery window design August 2007

shedsite — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 18:24:35 +0000

Concept:
In response to a site visit and conversations with Simon the headmaster, it was decided that this window offers the potential for detailed colour design. The space is light and as such will not be adversly affected by a stained glass approach.
The walls to the left hand side (looking at the window from inside) are light and therefore receptive to reflections of colour.

The design references the cathedral scale of the hall and aesthetic properties and colours of the new building.

Influences include the John Piper Baptistry window of Coventry Cathedral and patterns used in Somali bead / craftwork.

The images are entirely sourced from childrens’ artwork….

..and have been reworked to create a composition that is both abstract & intricately patterned.

detail