OVERVIEW
Tides of Change is an interactive installation dedicated to the memory of James R. Herman, a champion for organized labor and social justice.
The installation draws inspiration from the ocean, as a force that is peaceful, yet powerful. Undulating patterns of light animate in response to your presence, and the words of James R. Herman flow upon the surface of the sculpture — continuing to inspire and empower us to make a positive change in the world.
BACKGROUND
In the Spring of Floating Point was awarded a $250,000 grant to design and develop a permanent memorial in San Francisco for labor leader and social rights activity James R. Herman. The memorial officially opened in March of 2015 and is currently on permanent display at Pier 27 in San Francisco.
TECHNOLOGY
The memorial utilizes a 3D camera and custom software to sense and respond to people in the space. Flexible LED strips and panels embedded into the sculpture are mapped in our custom visualization software. The touchscreen software computer communicates with the LED display, sending messages via websockets that trigger different animations on the surface of the sculpture, in response to user interactions.
CREDITS
Hardware engineering: Gabriella Levine
Fabrication: Sheet Metal Alchemist
Commissioned by: The James R. Herman Memorial Fund Committee
