Augmented Bodies Interactive wearables for local-global synergies

Abstract

The paper documents the research and design of an interactive dance performance which was devised as a collective project of an interdisciplinary team comprising of architects, digital designers, musicians and dancers. The project employed methodologies of research by design and utilized a range of digital technologies for 3D body scanning, digital design, 3D printing of the wearables incorporating sensors of different types that would translate the data from the motion tracking into music and interactive video projections. The design process employed ad hoc methodologies, as there was constant feedback across designers, musicians, engineers and dancers. The design of the wearables was done on a 3D avatar, obtained through 3D scanning of the dancer's body. The wearables were designed with algorithmic tools and optimized in order to accommodate the necessary space for the sensors and microcontrollers. During the interactive dance performance the sounds are perceived to be coming from the body. © 2021, Education and research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe. All rights reserved.