We broke the process down into 3 different steps.
1. Creating the visuals
Our initial attempts at creating our visuals that worked bpm was with p5.js, but due to the complexity of the code it requires, we were suggested to continue working with Touch Designer. Although it was our first time working with Touch Designer, it was quite easy to work with, especially with the help of Joanne and other online tutorials. We were guided through the process of creating a patch that extracts the bpm from the virtual mic input we used.
2. Building the setup
After sourcing all of the materials needed, site checking, and estimating the measurements for the installation, we started breaking down milestones to reach in the construction into much simpler tasks to avoid frustration. Working together in every step of the process, we started with arranging the massive partitions which took a while due to how heavy they were, and visualized how the foundation of the installation would look like.
Moving on to building the immersive screen on the wall using PVC, we looped fishing rods into the PVC holes and stuck them behind the partitions to hide them. This way, the PVC screen curves nicely and minimal creases were visible.
To block any light coming into the space, we connected the two partitions with a fishing rod and hung a black cloth over it which also serves as an entrance for the audience. Lastly, we were lucky to come across a shelf that is sturdy enough to hold a projector. We simply put the shelf in the corner, giving some distance from the wall so the projector could project the visuals distinctly.
3. Troubleshooting
It’s true what they say, you can’t sketch reality. Even after sketching out the installation space, we still had to come up with backup plans. Apparently, due to the tight distance between the projector and the wall we’re projecting on, we had to borrow an extra projector last minute to fill up the empty space on the PVC screen. In a fortunate turn of events, we ran into Nadine and had gotten her help to immediately get a second projector for us.
