Photo by Ken Wu
The concept behind the Pulse installation was to explore the human condition through the use of blood-like fluid running through pipes. The installation aimed to serve as a reminder of the violence and suffering that humans inflict upon each other, while its mechanical nature represents the detachment of modern society from these realities. By using a pulse sensor to detect the pulse, the machine created a visceral experience that forced viewers to confront bodily realities that are often hidden from view, including the ways in which our physical selves are ignored or oppressed by society.
To bring this concept to life, the design of the installation was inspired by cyberpunk style, utilizing tubes shaped like ribs to create a hollowed-out appearance resembling veins in the body. The clothing was designed to be minimalist and sleek, featuring transparent PVC tubes circling around the neck area and leading to a hidden transparent interlayer on the back. This design successfully conveyed the idea of violence and oppression in modern society, emphasizing the human body's vulnerability and fragility.
Style Reference
COMME DES GARÇONS SPRING/SUMMER 2021 MINI-SHOW
Ideation Sketches
We were first thinking of designing the dress part into a cell-like structure(p2). But after we experimented with the iron wires and pvc materials, we find it extremely difficult to keep them in a sphere shape because the wires are very fragile. So we turned to another solution.
We made a design like cutting a complete fabric into two pieces and connecting them with pipes. Therefore, visually it looks like we cut the robotic body into two and take a glimpse into the inner dynamics, which actually serves our concept very well.
Prototype using conventional fabric
For the Pulse installation, we chose materials that would effectively capture a cyberpunk style. The mirrored silver leather fabric was used to create a uniform aesthetic with pure transparent hoses and clear PVC utilized for an interlayer displaying the red liquid running through them. Pumps and a pulse sensor were incorporated to create the dynamic effect.
After returning from spring break, I was able to implement a system where water pumps would pump water in sync with pulse. In order to increase the diversity of interaction, I added another water pump so that they would alternate pumping water based on the pulse rate. With this basic mechanism in place, the next challenge was how to better showcase the "blood," or the dynamic red liquid within the tubes and give shape to the tubing.
I did not want it to just be randomly draped over the clothing. To give shape to the tubing, we cut two pieces of silver fabric and shaped the tubing to have somewhat regular rib-like shapes at their connection points, but with slightly irregular shapes to make it look more organic.