Interactive Art Installation "Built by Action" Wins Iron A' Design Award

Wang Hongyin's Creation Fosters Environmental Awareness Through Technology

At the heart of "Built by Action" lies the intent to visualize the carbon footprint of everyday human activities. Wang Hongyin and his team have ingeniously encapsulated the carbon emissions associated with routine actions such as bathing, traveling, working, and cooking. By harnessing interactive programming, the installation immerses participants in a sensory experience designed to enhance their understanding of carbon emissions.

The installation's unique properties are a testament to Wang Hongyin's innovative approach. The design integrates commercial display props with advanced technologies, including somatosensory interaction and laser induction, to create a compelling data visualization and behavior perception experience. The dual-ring structure symbolizes the juxtaposition of daily life against the backdrop of environmental impact, urging visitors to confront their ecological footprint.

Constructed from stainless steel, plastic, and metal, the octagonal installation measures 400mm x 400mm x 280mm. Its interactive nodes, powered by TouchDesigner and Arduino hardware, allow for real-time data visualization and engagement. The outer ring features interactive elements that represent daily activities, while the inner ring houses a series of closed-loop chain reaction units, complete with a balance, smoke machine, printer, and filter.

The design's interactive nature is a core component, with the outer ring serving as a virtual interface for actions like turning on a faucet or starting a car, while the inner ring presents a tangible closed-loop system that activates upon a participant's entry. This interplay between the virtual and the physical realms is central to the installation's immersive quality.

Developed in Xi'an from January to May 2023 and exhibited at Xi'an Gpark in June 2023, "Built by Action" is the culmination of extensive research into green and low-carbon design principles. The project's success is a collaborative effort, with contributions from designers Liu Zichang and Hu Zhijie, and advisor Chen Zhong.

Overcoming challenges in programming and design creativity, the team has pushed the boundaries of sustainable art installations. By integrating service, speculative, and social design principles, they have crafted an experience that not only informs but also inspires action towards environmental stewardship.

Wang Hongyin's "Built by Action" is more than an award-winning design; it's a call to consciousness, a bridge between art and environmental action. As the installation tours and garners attention, it carries with it the potential to shift behaviors and mindsets, paving the way for a more sustainable future.