The 5 Senses
I wanted to create a multi-sensory experience of space, so I focused on elements to stimulate each sense.
- Sight: The LEDs will act as stars, and they will be sequenced in such a way to represent the big bang and the evolution of time and space.
- Smell: The Milky Way is filled with a chemical called ethyl formate, which is the chemical that gives raspberries their flavor.I will use a raspberry air freshener inside of the box.
- Taste: In the same regard, I will have raspberry candies viewers can eat while they are inside the installation.
- Sound: Viewers will listen to a playlist curated by NASA of space sounds.
- Touch: Viewers will recline on a beanbag provided as a seat, with a plush, sherpa blanket on top. This is meant to make the viewer as comfortable as possible and create the closest simulation of weightlessness.
Construction
There were two main elements in constructing this piece: the LED lights and the box. I focused first on the LED lights. I ordered an individually programable LED light strip and used an Arduino to code the LEDs. I cut the LED light strip into 6 smaller strips, soldered and wired them back together, and glued them onto a mirror, which would become the ceiling of the box. I connected the lights to an external power supply and the Arduino in order to power them.
Next I constructed the actual box itself in which viewers would sit outside of. I needed something big enough for a person to sit inside of, and something strong enough to support the mirror. I constructed the box out of 2x4's and vinyl paneling.
Next I constructed the actual box itself in which viewers would sit outside of. I needed something big enough for a person to sit inside of, and something strong enough to support the mirror. I constructed the box out of 2x4's and vinyl paneling.