2016
Particle Flow
kinetic motion study
Granules are driven by gravity and topography forming an analogue particle system. A moving slanted plane and a grid of motorized stamps control the elements to form infinite variations of behaviors and patterns. The result is a zen-like experience that is both: fascinating and contemplative.
FEATURED CreativeApplications.net , Processing.org and Arduino.org
CLIENTdreiform / INEOS Styrolution
TEAMJasper Diekamp , Niklas Ißelburg , Julia Alfeo , Matthias Krauß & Jakob Kilian
PHOTOSJasper Diekamp , Julia Alfeo & NEOANALOG
MOVIEJulia Alfeo & NEOANALOG
MUSICThe Marx Trukker
Topography & Gravity
Software controlled motion follows a complex choreography and enables precise steering of physical particles in a variety of ways: from subtle to obvious, from slow to high paced, from random-like to symmetric.
The Process of getting there
Building this kinetic particle system was a (very) long learning experience.
A million variables had to be figured out. Slowly the project went from sound waves to magnetic attraction, from vibrating shakers to a controllable topographic landscape.
Our journey confronted us with endless possibilities – and endless obstacles. Like the mechanism of a slanted plane, electrostatics, gluing flexible textiles, finding the right angle or the fitting lightweight materials.
Steering an early prototype equipped with electromagnets and metal granules using a MIDI controller.
Human vs. Machine
Software, hardware and the human factor
»The algorithm is dead. We need the human touch.«
After an odyssey to figure out how to completely automate the movement – the bottom line was: The algorithm is dead. We need the human touch.
So we developed a choreographic DJ-system that enabled us to record sessions of user input. Julia – who is also into longboard dancing – worked hard on different tracks and recorded some awesome choreo sessions.
More works
made with Lay Theme 
