Hyper Terra
A projection-mapped sculpture with an integrated projector, computer, and power supply. The sculpture is a mountain with simulated solar and lunar lighting that can be set up with any lat/long on Earth and a point in time. The graphics software has controls for time advancement towards the past or future, the long/lat on Earth, solar/lunar positioning, light color, and more. The result is both a sculpture and a dynamic visual timepiece.
Instructable: http://www.instructables.com/id/Hyper-Terra/
Process Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/quilime/sets/72157647947813024/
In my research I became interested in traditional Chinese model landscapes call 山水 盆景, or “Penjing”, which represent small landscape models and/or living sculptures. Sometimes these sculptures include practical effects such as real water, plants, smoke, and lighting. One thing I especially like about these small landscapes is that you could view it from all angles. I felt this was extremely important, so I ditched any ideas that involved putting the project in a box.
Goals
- The projection should work decently when there is bright ambient light.
- The object should be viewable from all angles.
- The projection computer should have a fast start-up time, allowing the sculpture to be turn on and off quickly seamlessly.
- Software settings should be easily set an controlled from a tablet or phone, or other seamless interface.
Base Visual Concepts
- Color gradient of the sky.
- Color temperature (Kelvin) throughout the day.
- Calendar events and cycles. Movement of the Earth the sun, the moon, and the stars, based on actual astrological positions, using a localized ephemeris table .
photo by Charlie Nordstrom
