Alessandra Fleck – Looking Outwards – 01

One project that I think communicates effective interaction between the user and program, while still maintaining a prominent message, is the “Funky Forest” installation in the Singapore Art Museum. Funky Forest is an interactive ecosystem that grows and moves to the motions of those who visit and interact with it. It is part of a series of interactive play spaces that has been developed over the course of a couple of years. The installation utilizes projections and animations, then takes it to the next step by allowing the visitor have a kinetic impact on the projections movement. Those who interact with the installation have the chance to impact the forest by planting seeds, and direct water with some of the tangible items on set such as pillow logs.

The interactive projection begins to insert itself onto the floor, as children play with the flow of the water coming off the waterfall. 

Created by Design/IO, Funky Forest utilizes a stereoscopic camera/ kinect to detect the movements of those visiting the installation and send the information to a software program the firm developed that translates the action of the visitor to the motion of the animation.

In the image above, children play with the projection on the wall. As they wave their arms, trees begin to grow. 

Beyond just being an installation that is whimsical and intriguing for those who visit it, the design and bright animations seek to bring to light the idea of environmental conservation and growth. I think that this project hold much potential in transforming the concept of the modern day classroom, into a 360 degree interactive space, where the interactivity and responsiveness of the program influence/teach the student.

Find out more about the project at the link below:

http://design-io.com/projects/FunkyForestSAM/

https://www.commarts.com/features/design-i-o