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Tian Ren He Yi (IPoC Taicang 2014 April, group 1)

Stijn Zoontjens, Shuyan Zhang, Sally Zhang, Geeyah Yee, U-Lee

Concept video

Prototype video

The Drama

Our installation is based on the patina:

(Tian Ren He Yi, pronounce as Tjen Zjen Ge I)
This is the Chinese theory that man is an integral part of nature. In every aspect of the Chinese life, nature is an
import aspect that’s needed to be maintained. We live in a changing world, but this patina is always there. One tries
to find a balance between nature and mankind.
But one needs to have also the awareness of the limitations of life, which makes it impossible to balance this in life
at some point. Especially the huge growth of the Chinese population and innovation will make it impracticable to
maintain Tian Ren He Yi in daily life. This is the conflict of this patina. The drama of the installation needs to create
awareness of the future of this important patina.

The Script

In the middle of the crowded and modern environment of Taicang, there is a mysterious waterfall on the wall. This
waterwall is a big contradiction to the environment, a piece of nature inside the crowded city. Some abstract flowers
are projected on the waterfall from the inside. These flowers are quietly waving in the wind, like they’re a natural part
of the waterfall.
When someone puts his finger or hand inside the waterfall, one makes a direct connection between nature and
mankind. The projection will react on this, by transforming the flowers into a human person with the animation of
water ripples. Every new connection shows a next step in human evolution: flowers, one person, two persons, a
house, more houses and skyscrapers. These scenes show the extremes of life, but there is one constant factor with
the nature of the water. This could also be represented by shape every figure with for example fireflies or butterflies.
The animation tries to continuously balance nature and mankind. But it will end with a crowded projection on the
waterwall, to show the limitations of life that make it impossible to balance at one point. This full projection will
explode and fade out, and it goes back to its starting position.

The Context

The installation will be installed naturally in the wall. This must be a small mysterious place of relaxation. The
waterfall can be seen behind a traditional Chinese door, which represents fortune in old times. Behind this door, one
showed for example their impressive garden. It’s like a painting frame for their artwork (their garden).
The urban context is a really modern place inside Taicang at Wanda Plaza. This represents the modern way of
living, which is a conflict with the ancient symbol of a waterfall. This is also the conflict of our patina, the conflict (but
also the connection) between mankind and nature. This will ensure more of a discussion situation.

The Interaction

Children have often the natural tendency to go with their hands through a fountain or a waterfall. That’s why the
main interaction is based on this principle. This interaction will result in a water ripple and a change of the animation
scene, as already described in our script. This moment of surprise will be strengthened by subtle background
sound effects. These sound effects change by the position and speed of touch.
The interaction of the prototype will be made with a webcam, by recording the interactions of the visitors. The
animations will be made in different layers and Processing will connect it all. In this way, it is possible to start or stop
specific parts or layers of the animation to react on the touch of the visitors. This works the same with the sounds,