THE AURORA: SXSW
Studio: Vita Motus
Client: VUSE
Event: SXSW [South By Southwest]
Concept: Aurora Borealis
OVERVIEW
For the eventually cancelled SXSW 2020 installation with Vita Motus, I developed the computational design for room-scale 3D-printed scenic elements and composed the audio-reactive soundscape to realize an interactive infinity room themed around the Aurora Borealis phenomenon.
PRINTING SPECIALIST
All scenic elements were fully 3D printed and integrated with lighting, capacitive touch interaction, and reactive sound. Leveraging deep experience across FDM, SLS, SLA, DLP, MJF, and DMLS processes- including metal casting workflows- I designed and optimized the print architecture specifically for this installation.
The canopy was generated using algorithmic modeling in Grasshopper and fabricated via 6-axis robotic extrusion to form a hollow cellular network. I also developed the vertical “tree trunks,” printed in-house on Vita Motus’ printer farm, using a custom rippled extrusion technique to diffuse internal lighting. Hardware was intentionally avoided; components connect solely through fine-tolerance friction fits and minimal zip ties, demonstrating structural precision rooted in advanced print calibration and material knowledge.
INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY
We implemented addressable LEDs, lighting fixtures, and capacitive touch interactivity. Touch pads printed in conductive PLA respond to hand proximity, modulating filters, triggering samples, and activating lights. A secondary print housed the microprocessor, handling data and power distribution via POE. TouchDesigner and Ableton (TDAbleton) were integrated in real time to unify sound, visuals, and interactivity.
SCOPE:
experiential design
computational design
6-axis FDM 3D-printing
sound design & composition
interaction design
technical design
fabrication management
AUDIO-VISUAL NARRATIVE
1_NIGHTFALL
2_DAWN
3_SUNSET
HNZLR conceptualized and composed an audio-reactive narrative designed to guide users through the experience over time, providing structured emotional dynamics to the sensory interactivity.
1_NIGHTFALL: An ominous, bioluminescent midnight soundscape, alive with the subtle rustling of unseen creatures and meditative tonalities.
2_DAWN: A gentle awakening, carried by harp melodies and birdsong, evoking an uplifting magenta sunrise.
3_SUNSET: A climactic crescendo, with undulating waves of red and orange deepening into night until the narrative folds back into itself, completing a continuous circadian loop.
Each passage reflects a time when the Aurora is most visible. The compositions feature original synthesis patches, field recordings, and studio-captured samples of materials like glass, metal, rice, seeds, and other granular substrates, demonstrating HNZLR’s sensitivity in uniting avant-garde experimentation with commercially resonant beauty. The brand and client were overjoyed with the result.
[INTERACTIVE MOMENT]
During rehearsals, the testing audience remained fully engaged, captivated by the looping experience. Many spent hours exploring the relationship between their bodies, sound, space, and light, with several remarking that it was an immersive art form unlike anything they had ever encountered.
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
TECHNICAL DRAWINGS
HNZLR, a full-process experiential designer, took this project from concept to completion, serving additionally as draughtsman and fabrication manager. This ensures artistic intent and oversight are carried through without getting mistranslated.
A highly experimental form of architecture, The Aurora demanded precise layouts and indication for such unconventional assembly and building practices. These drawings heavily utilize clipping planes, translucency, and meticulously placed leaders to provide clear visual communication to fabricators and adjacent teams.
cONCEPT RENDERINGS
PHOTOGRAPHY
All photos taken and edited by HNZLR.
