Cairns is an experimental project exploring new ways of interaction, by connecting the physical and the virtual space. Using an HTC Vive, a Kinect V2, A projector and a surface with moveable objects. These objects are scanned by the Kinect, scaled and translated into a massive 3D Mesh (x100) which the viewer can explore in VR, in real-time. The changes performed in the VR world are then projected back onto the surface with the projector, to close the feedback loop of interaction between both worlds. Cairns was highly experimental and based on a lot of trial and error, a process which allowed us to focus on how our technologies work and what the best way might be to apply them.

This first goal for our project was to build a functional tool for theatre set design. Half-way through our project, we had to reconsider, since the resolution of the Kinect V2 is too low for this specific sort of application. So our decision was to create a more explorative, inclusive, immersive and audiovisual installation. We distanced ourselves from the theatre concept and gave participants, both in the virtual and physical space, more agency and interaction with one another. The person in the VR world would be able to spawn objects emitting a procedural sound and moving in a flocking-like way. 

I worked on this Project in collaboration with Felix Bamforth.