Astral Gate is a large-scale interactive installation inspired by my fascination with geometric concepts. Visitors manipulate projection-mapped visuals in real time using physical controls, transforming simple interactions into evolving patterns of light.

Combining custom software, CNC fabrication, electronic systems, and projection mapping, the installation has been exhibited at festivals across the United States.

Traditional kaleidoscopes fascinate me due to their beautiful depiction of reflections. I wanted to create one that could be dynamically altered, allowing factors like the number of reflections to be manipulated by the viewer. This idea slowly evolved into what it is now: a larger-scale installation with multiple scenes displaying additional geometric patterns that I love, such as fractals, reaction diffusion, and the moiré effect.

The main body is made from CNC-cut wood with laser-cut acrylic accents. The acrylic was epoxied to the wood after painting to provide a sense of depth and sharp edged contrast to the surface. The legs of the structure were turned into benches, as we needed them to provide significant structural support to allow for interaction. 

The portal face houses a variety of electronics, including a perimeter LED strip, a button to change scenes, and two knobs to interact with the displayed visuals. All of these electronics are connected to an Arduino, which is housed inside the portal in a weatherproof junction box. The Arduino controls the LEDs and sends all peripheral interaction data to a laptop positioned behind the installation. The data from the electronic peripherals is then fed into TouchDesigner, where it is incorporated into various custom scenes. TouchDesigner then sends the video feed to the projector to display on the screen.

Each of the 5 scenes can be cycled through via a button in the middle that seamlessly ripples out one scene and brings in the next. Each scene has two different controls that can be influenced by the knobs on the face, which effect things like speed, rotation, color, etc.

On the sides of each leg are also compartments that contain hidden gifts. I wanted to reward a sense of exploration of the piece itself.

Software - TouchDesigner, C++ for Arduino

Electronics - Audio System, Arduino, Addressable LEDs, Rotary Encoders, Weatherproof Buttons

Display - Rear Projection

I had a couple major issues with the first knob design. Biggest problem being that they were failing to stay secured with extended use. Additionally I noticed that a lot of people didn't find the interface intuitively interactive. To account for this I came up with a completely new design that uses a belt to drive the rotary encoder in parallel. This has many benefits including protecting the encoder from movement of the knob, allowing the knob to have a little forward and backward give, and additionally allowing me to add a slip ring to power the knob! I designed and 3D printed new knob models that have cavities for LEDs. These LEDs make the knobs a lot more inviting.