THE CONSTRUCTION:
The underlying technology of the VibeGround consists of repurposed subsonic (tactile) speakers originally intended for use in higher-end home theatre applications, as well as amusement park attractions that use tactile effects. We mount these powerful drivers onto custom-made play structures in novel ways, adding either music responsiveness or interactive physical controls such as levers and knobs.
These structures are always growing and evolving – some examples include benches, swings, or bed like structures, either suspended from heavy duty frames or sitting on the ground, either fitting a single person or multiple people at once depending on how they are constructed.
OUR GOALS:
1) to promote awareness of and appreciation for, the richness and depth of our sense of touch. While most interactive art, along with modern culture in general, emphasizes the visual or aural senses, these pieces promote an appreciation for our most primal and fundamental sense - that of touch.
2) to stimulate curiosity and sense of wonder
3) to promote social interaction and connection via a multi-person participatory play environment
4) to provide an interactive art experience that is fully accessible to the deaf community, as well as wheelchair users and other groups that are underserved through installation art
5) to give a space for both adults and children to interact and co-create together and have FUN!