I was responsible for the production portion of the final video, on-site documentation, as well as the interviews with the experiencers and the overall video wrap-up.
Month: April 2025
The Conclusion of Installation Design
Inspiration
Shape: In exploring the natural rhythms of respiration and in thinking deeply about breathing, our installation symbolizes the expansion and contraction of respiration through elements such as lungs and plants, embodying the close connection between respiration and emotion.
Meaning: We combined the physiological act of breathing with emotional expression, using lung-inspired forms to symbolize life and vitality. The lily shape represents the rhythm and continuity of breath, while also symbolizing forgiveness and release—echoing the calming effects of deep breathing.
Manufacturing Process
Flower Construction
Recycled plastic bottles were repurposed to create flower petals. The bottles were cut into thin sheets, trimmed into petal shapes, and heated using candles or a heat gun, allowing the edges to curl naturally. These sculptural petals were then attached to the branches using hot melt glue. A short stop-motion animation documented the process.
Lung Structure Shaping
A malleable resin material was used to form lung-like shapes. After boiling the resin to soften it, the forms were shaped by hand, with surface detailing to mimic the texture of human lung lobes. Four translucent lung structures were completed in this way.
Branch Construction
Multiple pieces of wire were twisted together to form organic, twig-like branches. These were shaped to resemble elements of the respiratory system. A thin layer of resin was applied to the surface to reduce the metallic look and better integrate with the rest of the installation. Small lights were placed at the base to represent flowing life energy.
Final Assembly
The resin lungs and plastic petals were gradually assembled onto the wire branches using hot melt glue. Together, the intertwined elements—lungs, flowers, and branches—create a cohesive installation that symbolically explores the rhythm of breath and the continuity of life.
Outcome
The installation gives a sense of stillness and relaxation, echoing the connection between the emotions and the body. In this way, the installation is not only a work of art, but also becomes a medium for meditation and relaxation.
Reflection
The main challenge was integrating lung structures with botanical elements. Wire branches required precise crafting for both stability and aesthetics. Petals made from melted plastic bottles were easier to shape, but the detailing could be improved. Overall, the result matched the original concept of expressing breath and life. Future iterations will explore more diverse materials for finer effects and greater interactivity.
Visual consistency: A key issue was the visual disconnect between the physical installation and the digital elements. Jules suggested importing photos of the sculpture into TouchDesigner and turning them into abstract visuals. This could unify the physical and digital, similar to the approach used in 77 Million Paintings.
Submision 2 – Final Project
Recording for Background Music in Meditative Environments
In order to reflect and support key concepts such as breath regulation, meditation, and focused attention, I recorded a series of sound samples intended for use as background music. These recordings feature instruments commonly associated with sound healing practices, including improvised performances on singing bowls, handpans, and bells.
These instruments were chosen for their sonorous qualities—specifically, their ability to produce stable frequency ranges and harmonically rich tones. The sustained, resonant sounds they generate are known to induce states of relaxation and mental clarity, making them particularly suitable for meditative environments. By incorporating these textures into the soundscape, the composition creates an auditory space that gently guides the listener toward a calmer physiological state, facilitating deeper engagement with their own breathing cycle.
This approach not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the background music but also serves a functional purpose: it reinforces the psychological and physiological benefits associated with mindful breathing. In this way, sound becomes an active agent in supporting the immersive and introspective experience intended for the listener.
Sound Design | Final Prototype (Ashley Loera)
Dates of Development | April 18-20th, 2025
Sound Design Director | Max MSP: Ashley Loera
Sound Design | Final Prototype
Software:
- Max MSP Software
Hardware:
- MacBook Air Laptop
Final Progress Notes:
During the Installation, we were given feedback regarding improvements to the interactive, sound design and visual aspects of our installation. The following have been acknowledged in the final Sound Design MaxMSP prototype:
- Clipping occurring from the meditation music during the installation: improved by designing fades into the audio samples, for smooth transitions.
- Static Arrangement: Improved with the addition of a Synthesis Patch.
- Inconsistency in Audio Input playback: Removed the audio playback of the audio input and replaced it with an audio sample of breath that is controlled by the audio input. This helped give the illusion of breathing, by maintaining sample clarity and consistency
Below is the final prototype of the Sound Design Max Patch showing the improvements.
Approach:
- Arrangement | Reduce Clipping
- To improve clipping in the arrangement, I first mixed fades into the Arrangement Samples using my DAW – Ableton live 11. Total Samples with Fades: 6.
- I added programmed fades into the MaxMSP patch similar to the fades developed for the main 6 audio samples. This created a fader buffer that assisted in fading the divided samples to reduce clipping.
- Arrangement | Static Progression
- To develop movement in the arrangement, I received support and assistance from our Tutor, Philly, to develop a simplistic synthesizer.
- I further developed the Synthesizer to trigger 4 sets of frequencies via a preset chain.
- Audio Input Playback | Audio Sampling
- As shown above, to create a consistency in audio output, I removed the audio playback of the audio input entirely.
- I inserted an Inhale-Exhale breath sample, from youtube, into the patch and copied the sample splicer patch from the arrangement section. I then connected the TD Output Data Level Meter to a Knob and updated the range from 0,8000 to 0,1. When TD output data begins to play, it turns the audio sample playback on, which is then designed by the sound effects.
Reflection:
- After spending some time working on the suggestions, I do agree that they assisted in asserting clarity, smoothness and movement to the Sound Design portion of the installation.
- I do believe that the synthesis patch can benefit from further improvements to the waveform shape (sine, triangle, etc.), and design with the use of LFOs, and effects including: Distortion, Phasor, Flanger, Compression, and Chorus, etc. Another option would be to connect a Synthesis Plugin, like Serum 2.
- Overall, from the sound design standpoint, I am very excited for the work we are presenting and I am sincerely grateful for the feedback. This has helped me develop my technique and creative direction.
Bibliography
Sounds, Daily. “ Inhale and Exhale Breathing Sound Effect *Copyright FREE*.” YouTube, YouTube, 2 Feb. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=KRTmeWf89lM.
Final Video Making
The final video production is divided into two sections, I’m in charge of the inspiration, the introduction of the topic, the research and interviews, and the editing of the end credits.
The rest will be done by teammate Li
The editing software I use is AE and Capcut
Reflection and Process | Plastic Flowers | What do Lilies Symbolize? (Ashley Loera)
Dates of Development | Friday, March 21st, 2025 & Friday, March 28th, 2025
Sound Design Director | Max MSP: Ashley Loera
Reflection and Process | Plastic Flowers
What do Lilies Symbolize?
Plastic Lilies
On Friday, March 21st and Friday, March 28th, our Process group crafted a beautiful sculpture of lungs and flowers with lights. I got to help create the plastic lilies with plastic water bottles and hot glue.
Process:
- I cut oval shapes in the water bottles and bent/shaped the oval shapes into petal shapes with a candle flame. During this process, I had a wonderful time creating petals that felt natural and as though they were moving in the wind. Capturing the movement of lilies as a form of breath.
A. Depiction of oval plastic petal – with a curve melted on the petal to mimic movement in the flower.
B. We used candles to melt the plastic.
C. Example of a completed flower petal.
D. Glued 6 petals together to create the structure of a Lily.
Symbolism:
- In various cultures, especially the western culture, Lilies represent forgiveness. Floral design is one of my most passionate hobbies, and in my journey as a florist, I have learned the symbolism behind many flowers.
- Oftentimes, in spiritual practices, faiths and organizations, forgiveness is shared as a value that leads to peace and healing. For me, the symbolism behind the Lily and our use of it in this presentation holds a very special and powerful connection to the Process of breath.
How does this tie into our installation?:
- Through the process of forgiveness, we learn to let go. Not just emotionally or mentally. We learn to let go in the body. My education background is in Psychology and Substance Abuse Treatment and Prevention. During my undergraduate education I took courses in Trauma Psychology. One important concept and truth I learned, was that the body hold’s onto Trauma, Resentment and Pain. Often-times through the healing process, people must learn to work in the body to release trauma because the body internalizes pain, which later results into higher levels of cortisol. Ultimately manifesting into of anxiety, depression, chronic pain and illnesses. Meditation and Mindfulness has been used as a powerful therapeutic tool to help treat the body.
- As forgiveness is a powerful step of letting go, this process spiritually, psychologically and physically relates to the process of inhaling and exhaling in meditation.
Final Max Patch | Presentation Notes & Feedback (Ashley Loera)
Dates of Development | April 1st -3rd, 2025
Sound Design Director | Max MSP: Ashley Loera
Final Max Patch | Presentation Notes & Feedback
Software:
- Max MSP Software
- Touch Designer
Hardware:
- Xinyi’s Laptop
Final Patch:
Please refer to the video below, showcasing the final patch, and how it operates.
Presentation Process
We opted out of using the router, as Xinyi’s laptop had the ram space and efficiency to run both TD and Max MSP at the same time. Just in case, I made sure to bring my laptop and the Router. No issues on this front during the presentation.
During the presentation set-up, I ran into some issues with the Audio playback of the Max Project in the Atrium. Philly was able to assist us in adjusting the settings of the hardware and we were able to get the Meditation music playing. Once the Meditation music began to play, I noticed that the Microphone was not connecting to Max MSP.
During this time, a group of people entered the room before the installation presentation was set to begin (at 11:00AM) and one of our Process group members asked us to allow the group to try the installation with audio. After I had reflected that we were still setting up and were having issues with the microphone audio, our Process group member continued to ask if her friends could experience the presentation without the microphone as they were short on time.
Unfortunately, the absence of microphone playback did not present well to the group that came to experience the installation and I had to take the initiative to stop the presentation and finish the audio set-up. The group was understanding, however, I felt that it would have been better to finish setting up before allowing others to experience our presentation, especially as this interruption caused us to delay our installation by 30 minutes. I also believe that we may have needed more time to set up due to the unforeseen audio technical issues that arose last minute.
I was able to work with Philly to adjust Max MSP settings, restart the program and connect the Microphone to Max MSP. Once Audio Technical Issues were addressed we began the presentation of our installation at 11:30AM.
During the presentation, one of our group members asked us to turn down the audio input as it was too loud. I originally obliged, however, I noticed that TD was not able to process the audio information coming into the microphone because the audio input gain was decreased significantly. When I turned the gain up again, slightly, TD was able to process the audio input information directly impacting the color of the visual presentation of our installation. However, because the audio input gain needed to be increased further to make TD more sensitive to the audio input. I believe that by creating another gain buffer here, I would have been able to address the issue of volume control and Data sensitivity in TD.
Feedback:
- Teaching fellow, Roderick Dunlop brought it to my attention that he felt that the installation didn’t have much of an interactive impact and could have been improved in this aspect.
- When speaking with our audience, we received feedback that the space we developed was calm, well prepared and well executed. One gentleman suggested that the audio playback almost resonated with him as a thunderstorm, and he found it interesting when considering it as a comparison to the process of breath. I found this insight unique and creative.
- We also received the following feedback to improve our installation from Jules and Philly:
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- The Meditation Music was clipping. Later I was able to address this by creating faders in the audio samples, to allow for clear transitions between the audio samples. It came to my attention after this, as clipping continued, that the additional splicing of the 6 audio samples caused clipping because it began playing during half the track.
- The Audio Presentation and Visual Presentation was well prepared, however, still static.
- Reiterated that the installation did not have much of an interactive impact.
- Suggested diversifying the visual presentation.
- Suggested removing the audio playback of the audio input complete. In its place, use the audio input to manipulate an audio sample of breath, that would give the illusion of breathing, by maintaining sample clarity and consistency.
- Suggested including a synthesizer to the max patch to create a varied element in the arrangement that allowed the experiencer to experience a change in sound over time. Adding movement to the music and audio presentation.
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- During the Installation, Philly was able to assist me in creating a basic synthesizer, adding an additional element presenting movement and a unique perspective on the sound front. The following patch was added during the presentation.
Please refer to the snapshot below:
Final Max Patch Goals:
- I will develop a sample envelop of a breath audio sample that is directly manipulated by the audio input and audio FX to allow for clarity and consistency in the max patch.
- I will develop a fader chain for the spliced samples.
Audio Splicing | Meditation Arrangement (Ashley Loera)
Dates of Development | April 1st -3rd, 2025
Sound Design Director | Max MSP: Ashley Loera
Audio Splicing | Meditation Arrangement
Software:
- Max MSP Software
Hardware:
- MacBook Air Laptop
Progress Notes:
- Last week during our Process Group Tutorial, Philly suggested developing an Audio Splicer for the Meditation Arrangement, to avoid a static and repetitive playback of the 6-minute meditation arrangement created by Composing Director, Ruolin. By creating a Sample Splicer chain, we will be implementing an arrangement that changes over time and adds movement and variety to the overall soundscape of the installation.
- During my one-on-one meeting with Philly and Xinyi, we developed a Fader Chain and Audio Sample Chain that would fade out of one sample into the other at a delayed rate to create a smooth transition between the arrangement samples.
- Over the weekend, following this meeting, I spliced the Meditation arrangement into 6 different audio samples for the max patch. The Arrangement is generated by the 30 second transition (metro) which begins as soon as the max patch is opened. This then triggers a random sample from the 6 samples, to playback. We developed on/off triggers for each sample.
- Please refer to the snapshots below:
This is the final Arrangement Splicer patch, prior to presentation, labeled as the “Music Playback” patch.
As you can see in the photo below, I developed the sample splicer to then cut the current 6 audio samples by 2, creating 12 samples total to alternate as the max patch progresses.
The Delay Chain triggers each sample to alternate between the halves every 30 seconds, ensuring that each half of each arrangement sample will be played back during the installation presentation. Adding movement, variety and generation to the Meditation Arrangement.
Upcoming Goals:
- Present the Installation!
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Audio FX Output Delay | From Real Time to Ethereal (Ashley Loera)
Dates of Development | March 25-27th, 2025
Sound Design Director | Max MSP: Ashley Loera
Audio & FX Output Delay | From Real Time to Ethereal
Software:
- Max MSP Software
Hardware:
- MacBook Air Laptop
Progress Notes:
Over the previous week, I sat with the Max Patch to take note of any additional approaches that may need to be done to further develop the installation sound design. My goal was to ensure the programmed sound design worked well with our visual representation of the process of breath. It came to my attention, during this time, that the real time audio playback created an abrupt and awkward sound environment that did not suit the visual representation of the installation.
During our Tutorial on March 25th, I began discussing some solutions to the Max Patch with the Process group, and our Tutor, Philly. I knew it was important to delay the playback of the Audio & FX. To do this I had to delay the rate of motion of TD output data that directly impacted the audio fx channels, ultimately, delaying the generation of sound.
During our tutorial, Philly was able to suggest some wonderful approaches.
When it came to the development of a Delay chain for the Output of the Audio & FX, I knew that I wanted to create individual delay triggers for each FX channel. Philly suggested the use of a preset box to store 4 sets of delay data that would then be selected every 30seconds to 1 minute to create a gradual change in audio playback. This would allow for variation, and later serve as a useful tool in audio splicing of the meditation music (as suggested by Philly during our Process group meetings).
I met with Philly and Xinyi during office hours and we were able to create the following approach in the Max Patch to delay the Audio Output.
Upcoming Goals:
- Create an Audio Splicer for the Meditation music in the Max Patch that manipulates the audio arrangement while processing audio input.
