STELLAR

Stellar is an interactive installation and interface for scientific data sonification.

The project aims to create a sonic representation of stars and constellations through a dedicated interface.

Since there is no sound in space, the objective was to conceptualize a link between electromagnetic and sound waves. The goal was to create a minimalist, interactive device that would allow visitors to learn about specific stars through sound information.

The base of the system is a cylindrical structure, on top of which the most important constellations of the northern sky are displayed. Above this representation are two robotic arms. Two players can use the system simultaneously by moving their right hands over the two black, circular sensors. This allows them to move the robotic arms both horizontally and vertically. When the tip of one of the arms aligns with a star, the information obtained from it is translated into sound materials. The same concept is applied visually. When a star is selected, the circular viewpoint depicting the stars will light up in the actual color of the star. These colors are also projected onto the walls. Visitors can see the information about the stars and their sonification in real time through one or two monitors placed next to the structure. Sound spatialization is provided with a quadraphonic system.

The project has been developed using Arduino and Max7 software. Data of more than 300 stars from all 44 constellations of the northern hemisphere has been sourced from the open-source software Stellarium.org and coded to interact with the robotic arms.

More info: http://www.francescofabris.com/#!/?project=stellar