Emergence 2013
An endless flux of natural phenomena shape the reality we share. To celebrate the grand opening of the new SF Exploratorium in 2013, many of these phenomena were exposed through unique experiments, captured on camera and then projected on the facade of the new building. The experiments were carried out in carefully designed, miniature replicas of the the building, resulting in a total integration of phenomena with architectural form. No computer graphics were employed to create the experience.
Fabrication of the cloud tank enclosure
Cloud tank testing
32 drain valves for creating cloud tank dynamics
Cloud tank execution
Crystal growing experiments
Mono ammonium sulfate prototype
Testing crystal enclosure [Tom Sepe]
Lighting crystal enclosure [Tim Digulla - Obscura]
Crystals captured through an 8 day time lapse
Crystal facade projection
Crystal facade projection
Moulding template, parafin crayon wax stratification
10 minute time lapse with heat guns
Wax melt facade projection
Wax melt facade projection
Hybridized 'Fast Plants'
Terrarium construction [Desmond Shea - Obscura]
30 day time lapse
Approximately 25 days
30 days
Plant growth facade projection
Plant growth facade projection
Chemicals for experiments in thermodynamics / miscibility
Miscibility execution [Garth Williams]
Miscibility facade projection
Miscibility facade projection
Prototype microscope slides - picosecond laser milled
Final enclosure - 350 microns deep
Protozoa auditions [27 specimens ]
Microscopy facade projection - Paramecium, stentor and other protozoa (natural bubbles)
Microscopy facade projection - Stentor protozoa
Microscopy facade projection (amoebas) - Captured at 17k(3 plates) Red camera mounted on Olympus microscope
Particle experiement
Color analysis - deriving palette
Palette applied to layers in post
Particle (sand) facade projection
Field collection of California flora and fauna
Subterranian strata - worm farm
Forest floor set dressing
Cucoloris lighting
Ecosystem biopsy facade projection
Borrowed FLIR, thermal cameras
Thermal mirror(cameras) capturing passers by - color remapped to facade performance
Thermal mirror - growth remap
Thermal mirror - cloud tank remap
Custom built synthesizer
Vintage oscillator
27 unique soundtracks / custom foley [Tim Digulla, Alex Oropeza, Desmond Shea- Obscura]
I conceived, designed and directed this piece while working as creative director at Obscura Digital. However a large multidisciplinary team of talented people brought piece to life. I'd like to make special mention of Tim Digulla who made great contributions in the areas of lighting, photography, post production and sound design. Also worth mention is that Emergence was featured in the design book, Responsive Landscapes by Bradley Cantrell and Justine Holzman