Tidal force — a subtle yet powerful natural phenomenon.It arises from the gravitational interactions between celestial bodies in the universe,silent and unseen, yet day after day, it shapes the breathing rhythm of the ocean.
In this installation — “The Breath of Tidal Force”,we give form to this invisible pull through visual, auditory, and musical experiences.You are invited to step into a sensory universe we have created,where light and movement intertwine,and feel the pulse and resonance that echo from the depths of the moon and the far reaches of the cosmos.
We blocked most of the light with black curtains to create a quiet, immersive universe. Four planets are arranged in a triangle around a central star, guiding the audience into the space. Each planet has its own texture—twisted wire for metal, chunky wool for lava, light cotton for gas, and a handmade Earth-like center.
The orbiting planets sit on 3D-printed trains and tracks, and visitors can pull handles to move them, becoming a tidal force in the universe.
On both sides, atmospheric videos made with TouchDesigner and Premiere express abstract feelings of water and time. Projectors cast visuals onto sheer black fabric, which ripples gently with passing movement, creating a tide-like effect. The central projection connects planets and ripples with the central star.
We have embedded the M5StickC Plus, which is connected to an ultrasonic sensor, inside a sphere, allowing it to measure the real-time distance between the “celestial body” and the “Earth.” This data is wirelessly transmitted to the host machine and then sent to the MAX/MSP project. Through the calculation of tidal force formulas, the distance data is dynamically converted into music, sound effects, and particle visual controls, thus creating an interactive system that blends scientific logic with sensory experience.
In terms of sound design, we control the dynamic sound effects of each planet through changes in tidal gravitational forces, and adjust the intensity of the sound of the waves based on the planet’s movement speed. This allows the audience to intuitively perceive the interaction between the “force” and the environment during the interactive process.
Regarding the music, the fluctuations in melody, instrumentation, and volume correspond to the strength of gravitational forces. The main melody of each celestial body is played by the closest speaker in a 4.0 channel system, enhancing the sense of immersion and presence for the audience in space.
In the visual aspect, we have created a dynamic particle system that simulates the movement of celestial bodies and the flow of waves. The attraction between the particles is controlled in real-time by the distance data. The color gradient from white to blue showcases the visual tension brought about by the changes in gravitational force.
Additionally, we have set up a water pool with a Bluetooth vibrating speaker embedded in it. The vibration frequency synchronizes with the emotional intensity of the music. The vibrations create real ripples on the water’s surface, which are projected onto the wall by a top-mounted projector, making the sound “visualized” in the form of water. This provides the audience with a multi-dimensional, tactile sensory experience.
