Benjamin Persaud

What is Code/Spaces?

Code/Spaces is a series of interactive environments, where participants are given immersive opportunities to learn, play, and experiment with the digital realm. Inspired by various topics, each space aims to educate and enchant its users through a multi-sensory experience.

Manifesto

• The advancement of technology offers new insights and possibilities — some beautifully innovative and others terrifyingly oppressive. Now, with the ubiquitous occupancy of technology, both realms have become limitless. While it is reasonable to be scared of where technology might takes us, we seem to have blindsided ourselves to the exciting and creative prospects it can offer us.

• Technology has numbed us. This is because we are all locked into a single screen. Whether it be in our hands, on our desks, or opposite our sofas. We’ve grown so bored of our surrounding environment that we seek escapism in a digital one. I am reigniting our sense of imagination when it comes to technology, by using recent advancements to explore the spaces located on the threshold of the physical and virtual to make our reality exciting again.

Code/Space No.1: 'All Angles'

‘All Angles’ is an illusive space that uses infrared and depth sensor technology to challenge the idea of perspective. Inspired by the Necker Cube, this space uses a single camera to create the illusion you’re being viewed from ‘All Angles’.

Created by reprogramming an Xbox Kinect. All Angles is easily accessible and can be applied to any space.

Set up

Participants will enter the space and gaze upon a spinning image of themselves. This image will simulate a rotating camera but will in fact be a solitary camera situated directly in front of them.

Render

All Angles Demonstration Video

Code/Space No.2: 'Symphony Of Light'

‘Symphony Of Light’ is a sound driven space that aims to create a more harmonious fusion between human and machine.

Inspired by the Mirror self recognition test, this space uses motion tracking technology to allow participants to modify and alter sound through movement.

Planning Process

In the planning stages I began by creating a series of simple aerial view drawings, which helped me figure out the optimum arrangement for my equipment and subjects.

Set Up

To create the space, two webcams were set up on each chair. These cameras are what help control the sonic elements. Alongside these were two secondary cameras, which help create visuals for the piece.

Motion Tracking

To take part, participants had to draw a green dot on their hands. These function as controllers and allow users to manipulate the parameters of their sounds.

Motion Tracking

The green dots also have a secondary purpose. They function as track points that help create the resulting visuals, and generate each persons’ synesthesic reflection.