Client: Museum of Science - Boston

Overview

Tidelines is a kinetic sculpture commissioned by the Museum of Science in Boston, MA for their new Engineering Design Workshop exhibit.

16 origami structures form an overlapping field of motion and light, inspired by the lily pads on the tidal estuary underneath the Museum and the clouds in the skies above it. The sculpture creates a unified choreography of motion and light, ever changing and evolving with time.

Each origami element is driven by two independently controlled motors, creating a body that can expand to create a larger volume, and collapse to be nearly invisible against the ceiling. Custom lighting makes the Tyvek structures glow with internal color. The system is run by custom software that drives both the motors and lighting. Tidelines serves as the centerpiece for an exhibit that inspires children and families to explore the worlds of science, art, and engineering.

Goals

In nature, simplicity of form often hides complex structures. We were interested in exploring how multidimensional systems converge and create beauty through hidden complexity. How do these systems affect us in ways we cannot anticipate? In nature, simplicity of form often hides complex structures. We were interested in exploring how multidimensional systems converge and create beauty through hidden complexity. How do these systems affect us in ways we cannot anticipate? We also wanted to give visitors of moment of calm and inner-reflection, amidst the busy museum space.

Process

Hypersonic worked with the team at the Museum of Science to understand their desires for their new exhibit room. The team at Hypersonic worked collaboratively to design and build this piece.