WATER I ÁGUA Original

WATER I ÁGUA is a tactile-visual interface: a very large flexible observation mirror, designed to undergo distortions in function of the weight and position of the visitor; it is comprised of plastic mirrored plaques, 1 mechanical tactile sensing system and ellipsoidal light projectors. The plastic mirrored plaques are connected and form a big mirrored surface. The function of this large mirror is to reflect the light that falls onto it and to project the resulting shadows of the interactors, constantly changing as they move, on the installation. The mechanical sensing system is composed of foam mats and a connection system. Placed on the surface of the plaques, this device has a threefold function: 1. allows the user to distort the smooth surface of the mirrored plaques in function of his relative weight and position; 2. makes it possible to enlarge alterations in the angular path of the light as it falls on the mirrored surface; 3. serves to simulate, in the interactors, sensations that are similar to walking on liquid surfaces (i.e., feet sinking into a puddle or shallow water). Numerous users can simultaneously walk on this installation and this action concentrates and disperses the rays of light that fall on the mirrored surface. Thus, when stepping on the installation, the users alter the qualities of the liquid mirror—know the installation´s depth and spatial dimensions and alter the reflection of the projected image while interacting with one another.