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Sonumbra
a sonic shade of light, 2006
Imagine an outsize parasol planted in an African village. By day, it offers shelter from the sun: by night, it sheds light for the local community using the energy collected in solar cells embedded in its canopy. It's clever, it explores a new role for textiles, and it shows concern for the planet. In short: an eco-friendly solution to a pernicious modern problem.
William Underhill in a feature for ID Magazine 
Sonumbra @ MoMA
We were invited by Paola Antonelli to present our recent experiments in responsive textile architecture as part of the Design and the Elastic Mind exhibition at MoMA. We realized a second version of Sonumbra and are working towards creating a free standing, canopy that is self powered through PV technology and fully animated.
- http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/2008/elasticmind/
- http://www.moma.org/exhibitions/exhibitions.php?id=5632
image by timukun
Loop.pH realized the first version of Sonumbra as a responsive play space in Mowbray Park, Sunderland. It is designed to respond to the interplay and activity of the people orbiting the umbrella by casting a sonic shade of light.
See a preview movie: Sonumbra video 
The atmosphere of musical rhythms, harmonies and luminous patterns are composed by the visitors’ movement - either active or passive. The light emitting fabric of the umbrella is crafted into a lacework of many electroluminescent fibres. This latticed pattern is animated in concert with the generated surround sound and visually illustrates the visitors’ position within the constellation. Wandering unaware or actively gravitating towards Sonumbra each person plays a part and becomes a note in a unique composition of light, sound and space.
Sunderland, Mowbray Park
Credits for Sunderland
Concept & Design: Rachel Wingfield & Mathias GmachlProduction: Mathias Gmachl
Sound design & software: Alberto de Campo
Fabrication assistants: Camalo Gaskin & Dave Falconer
Many thanks to: Gail Baxter, Carol Quarini, Dani Salvadori & Harry White Sonumbra in Sunderland has been commissioned by Newcastle Gateshead Initiative and Sunderland City Council and supported by ISIS Arts. http://www.visitsunderland.com/
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Contact Loop.pH: Unit 2, 231 Stoke Newington Church Street, London, N16 9HP, UK,
t +44 20 7812 9188, e info(at)loop.ph
Copyright © 2003 - 2013 by Loop.pH Ltd. All material on this website is the property of the contributing authors.
t +44 20 7812 9188, e info(at)loop.ph
Copyright © 2003 - 2013 by Loop.pH Ltd. All material on this website is the property of the contributing authors.