OP_ERA: Hapticwall

OP_ERA ist an immersive and interactive interface designed for multisensorial experimentation of space concepts. Conceived as a virtual reality environment, this project focuses on research and development of scientific and artistic models of space, human-machine interfaces specially designed for environments where a human agent and artificial engine are symbiotically interconnected, and alternative ways of spatial perception and cognition. OP_ERA brings up an old problem of human-machine interfaces. How and through what kind of interfaces one system may best interact with another? Or throug what kind of interfaces may we enter a data world without being disturbed ba unnatural (weird) devices? Inspired by such questions the project is beeing developed since 1999. OP_ERA stands for a world, shaped as a set of interconnected logical dimensions. The dimensions were conceived to generate spatial cognition through multisensoral experimentation of space models that evolve in relation to human body.

OP_ERA: HAPTIC WALL is an interface designed to produce tactile stimuli originating from sonic data.

In OP_ERA: HAPTIC WALL sonic data are colleted by a set of microphones placed in and around the exhibit area. When a microphone picks up a sound, the software samples and converts it into outputs that control actuators built into the wall. The architecture of this project is an 8 x 2m wall covered with an artificial skin, made of natural latex.

The objectives of OP_ERA: HAPTIC WALL are to transform sonic vibrations into tactile information and to implement a system capable of stimulating the senses of touch in the user.

(D. Kutschat)