Kinetic Light Installation
Co-creator
A kinetic light installation that merges the erratic movement of compound pendulums with the high-fidelity control of stepper motors. The system reacts to user movements, translating them into virtual light drawings.
Concept
The compound pendulum — a physical system known for its chaotic, unpredictable motion — is here brought under partial control through precision motor actuation. The result is a system that sits between chaos and order: responsive but not fully predictable, controlled but not mechanical.
Technical
Two stepper motors drive a compound pendulum mechanism, with position tracked in real time. A user’s proximity and movement influence the motor inputs, creating a live feedback loop. A light source traces the pendulum path, leaving a persistence-of-vision trail visible to observers.
Built with Arduino and custom motor control firmware.
Tutors: William Bondin, Francois Mangion, Chris Leung.