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3.1

Translating my own experiences into an interactive installation using physics. This system is a translation of how I see life balance. Creating a system that is based around gravity, tension, and suspension. These elements together are creating a system of strings that are using each other’s force to let an object be balanced within the line. If a string’s tension is removed the object will fall, if the tension is back on the string, the object will be suspended again. The system is like balance in life. You need to have the heavy moments in life to enjoy the highs. See the weight of the system as the heavy moments and the suspended object as the highs. By noticing the heavy moments, you can learn from them. This is how I see the weight within the system. Just like Razzetti said; “let go of the control to let everything fall into place.” (Razzetti) Holding the weight and lift will make the highs come down so you can go up again. Getting your highs back up is also a thing where you need to invest in. Therefore, I implemented a mechanical system that will use a counterweight to let one lift the object back up. A double interaction where you can make a choice to let the highs down an let your surrounding be influenced towards the dark. Or using your actions to let your surroundings back into the light.

How does the system work

The system I am referring to is inspired by the work of Kasper Kjeldgaard, a Denish designer that uses balance within one of his works. The Year of the Circle. He uses strings and weights to create hanging and balanced installations. As I explained a bit about forces within the part about balance in physics. I will go deeper into this specific system. (see fig. 10, 11) (Kjeldgaard)

Fig, 10 Fig, 11

Fig. 10, 11, “The Year of the Circle // Patrick Parrish Gallery - Kasper Kjeldgaard.” Kasper Kjeldgaard, Kasper Kjeldgaard, 21 Oct. 2017, cargocollective.com/kasperkasper/The-Year-of-the-Circle-Patrick-Parrish-Gallery.

3.2

Translation of the system

Balance feels fragile. The way I want the system need to look. Fragile. The system is open and structured just how I am as a designer but most important the openness of the system is how I see balance. It is a force you don’t notice till something happens that creates a shift in life. The main component within the system is a string with a weight that creates tension on the line. This line is the “lifeline”. Two other strings “helplines” are attached to an object that will be placed between the lifeline and the helplines. The helplines will make sure the forces of the of the lifeline is divided to let the object be in balance on the lifeline.

The system is built up out of the following elements:

Tension string – Lifeline - S1 This string is the base of the whole system. The weight that is attached to the end of the string provides a x amount of tension on the line. The reason I call it lifeline is because I see this line as the line that will provide you with the possibility to let the object fall just by removing the tension on the line.

The weight – heavy moments within life - S2 The weight is attached to the lifeline to create the tension that will provide the user to interact with the installation. The weight represents the heavy moments in life. Moments like these happen and are not fun to deal with. The most important of these moments are the lessons they leave behind. By lifting the weight, embracing the heavy moments, you can let the object come down. The lifting of the object represents the learning part of the heavy moments. It is not about leaving it be or removing these thoughts, it is about seeing the things you can take with you to continue in life.

Object – Highs - S3 The object contains two key elements, the helplines, and the object itself called highs. The helplines are fixed strings that are attached to the object that provide the forces of the lifeline are divided to let the object be suspended between the helplines and the lifeline. The highs are a representation of the good things in life. These moments are moving up and down along the lifeline. One can let the highs come down to go back up again this could have consequences for people in your surroundings.

The counterweight – Invest - S4 Invest is a representation of getting your highs back up. Getting your balance in life back is not something that just happens. You need to take the time to bring it back up. Using a counterweight that needs another interaction to pull the highs back were you want them to be.