Eighth International Conference on The Constructed Environment

Abstract

The flattened 96” x 42” poplar bark panel is delicately mounted in a 1 1/2” steel angle frame. Its presence stimulates occupant interest due to its unusual presentation of a natural material. Serving as a transitional link between the site, occupant, and interior, it helps to connect the occupant to a space, and the material to the building. Through biophilia, the occupant is immediately comforted by the image of the bark, a familiar natural material. This is the first transitional link (occupant/space). The material is embedded with technology that is often used in newly designed hi-tech spaces. Through its activated technology, the material makes its connection to the building. This is the second transitional link (material/building). The 96” x 42” bark panel was CNC drilled to embed 1152 3mm green LEDs on a 24x48 grid. 1 LED was embedded in each hole. 24 Arduinos are programmed to run a pattern code to the LED grid. 4500’ of copper wire was used to connect 6 circuitry boards to the 1152 LEDs. Each circuit board accommodates 4 Arduinos. 1 Arduino is used to activate each grid column consisting of 48 LEDs. There are 24 grid columns. A Microsoft Kinect sensor communicates with Arduino code to create an interactive experience. When the occupant walks toward the bark panel, the embedded LEDs remain unlit. When the occupant reaches out to touch the bark, the Microsoft Kinect sensor will register the hand movement. The embedded LEDs will immediately illuminate and follow the occupant’s hand as it swipes across the panel. This responsive surface establishes a connection with nature while being in an interior environment. By designing a natural material embedded with technology, we seek to provide an experience where occupants find themselves in the moment.