SPACEART TUNNEL*

I CONSTRUCTION

Dimensions: 5m/1m/1m

Elements

5 Space Frame Elements (1m/1m/1m)
15 Plates, black Dbond plates with perforations  
5 Plates, black, plywood (for crawl space)
10 Color Film Sheets (1m*1m)
5 Mirror Film Sheets (1m*1m)

Materials

Aluminum tubes 25 mm x 25 mm, 2mm thick
Plastic and/ or wood end caps
Stainless steel bolts, nuts and washers, 6mm
POM distance pieces 12 mm
Polycarbonate OR Dbond plate, 3mm (Panels)
Plywood, 9 mm (flooring)
Color Film Sheets (Walls
Mirror Film Sheets Ceiling)

Additional

WahWah Bells + Beaters


II INFORMATION

Description

This case study element is designed for the presentation of born-digital art case studies. It takes the form of a long tunnel with panels on all sides of its space frame. The exterior panels are perforated with holes arranged in various asterisms, forming a constellation of space art.

 

The interior panels are colored to represent the hues associated with the aging of stars. As visitors journey through the tunnel, light entering from the outside reflects off the panels, creating a sensation of traveling through deep space.

 

From the outside, viewers observe the changing colors of the perforations as they move around the tunnel, metaphorically placing them in the role of someone exploring space from a distance, much like watching the Apollo 11 launch that carried Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to the moon on July 20, 1969.


Fig. Mock up sketch of the Space Tunnel Element


Technical Elaboration

 

The space frame elements are used to create a long tunnel (5m/1m/1m) positioned at ground level. The sides of the tunnel are enclosed with perforated black plates, featuring 2cm holes arranged in constellations. These perforations allow light to enter the tunnel, creating an experience reminiscent of traveling through space.

 

The floor is smooth and black, ensuring comfort as visitors crawl through the tunnel. The sides and ceiling are covered with either colored film or mirror film. The colored film casts hues onto the interior, while the mirror film reflects incoming light, enhancing the space-travel effect.

 

Optional Enhancements:

 

Wah-Bell Instruments: To heighten the sensation of space travel, a series of hand percussion instruments called "Wah-bells" can be added to the free ends of the space frame elements. Made from the same aluminum profiles (25mm/25mm) as the metal frames, these instruments are crafted by cutting a slot down the length of the profile to match the resonance frequency. Visitors can use mallets, inserted into the top of each instrument, to strike them and produce resonant ringing tones that echo through the tunnel as they pass by.

Ground-Level Platform: The underside of the space frame elements can be covered with sturdy plates (e.g., plywood), leveled out with ramps at each end. This allows visitors to lay down on a bike or trolley and push their way through the tunnel, fully immersing themselves in the light effects within.


III ENGAGEMENT APP

Description

SpaceTunnel: An app that enables users to explore 3D models of "Asterisms" in  a zero-gravity space, providing insights into Space Art and its lifecycle.


 Fig. A mock-up of the GUI for the Space Art Gallery Engagement App.


User Scenario:

>User scans QR located on the Case Study Element;
>Application opens Instructions appear on the screen for the user to read;

>User selects any one of the twelve buttons to view the space art animations of choice;
>User presses Play/Pause to play the animation back;
>Repeat ad lib to view other space art animations 

 

IV CASE STUDIES ARTWORKS

Purpose

The SPACEARTTUNNEL element has been designed for the presentation of case study on born digital art (specifically space art)  that are, were, or might be placed in to deep space.  These were taken and abstacted into Asterisms in order to build a Space Art Constellation. 

 

Artworks


Fig. Mock up sketch of the Space Tunnel Element

 
 
 
V APPENDIX