The final prototype. Blowing on the paddles trigger mapped samples to be played. Along with the sonic user feedback, I am working on some visual feedback with LED light.
A linear production of sounds collected over the course of the project. All of the sounds were extracted from the CLifton Suspension Bridge using home made contact microphones.
Cutting and finishing.
Perspex paddles slot into the hinge part which surrounds an aluminium cylinder. The hinge unit hangs on a smaller aluminium bar. Spacers will keep the paddles separated enabling them to swing independently. The aluminium cylinder reduces the friction on the crossbar, also helping the ease of the swing.
The hinge part was built on the rapid prototyping machine and designed in SolidWorks. Its internal structure is honeycomb, for strength and reduced weight.
The Installation will involve an interactive object. This object will allow the user to play with the sounds extracted from the bridge. As the main sonic exciter, wind energy will be the grounding upon which the installation is based. The user will force a set of hanging paddles into motion, using only energy created by blowing upon them. Tilt sensors at the top of the paddles will trigger the sounds and processor parameters will be affected by a varying output from Hall effect sensors at the base of the paddles.
The sound will be played through four surrounding speakers, hopefully creating an immersive environment.
The picture shows the first solid model draft for the prototype.
This design Is currently in development.
Bass swell recorded by the grounded contact microphone on the cable that runs along with the main left hand chain at the Portishead side of the gorge.
A forecast ‘Menacing’ winds provided some of the best recordings yet. Human interaction was minimal, meaning most of the sound was produced by the wind. Unfortunately, the new stereo microphones broke… re-development is in progress.
