Pulse Pavilion: A Multisensory Experience of Light, Color, and Sound

An Interactive Installation by József Gergely Kiss

The Pulse Pavilion is an immersive installation that combines light, color, movement, and sound to create a mesmerizing multisensory experience. Designed by József Gergely Kiss, this interactive installation pushes the boundaries of art, architecture, and technology, offering visitors a unique and captivating journey.

The inspiration for the Pulse Pavilion came from the fascinating connection between sound, light, and color. Kiss delved into the intricacies of the RGB and CMYK color systems, exploring the interaction and harmony between them. Additionally, he drew inspiration from the works of renowned artists such as James Turrell, Carnovsky, Vasarelly, and Haroon Mirza, as well as Goethe's Theory of Colors.

What sets the Pulse Pavilion apart is its ability to create an analog animation without relying on digital projections or movement. The design seamlessly integrates light, music, and design, allowing them to interact with each other in a mesmerizing way. The visuals on the walls of the pavilion are based on the sound waves of the accompanying track, creating a synchronized rhythm between the animation and the pulsing sound.

The realization of the Pulse Pavilion involved a combination of traditional and digital techniques. The structure and facade of the pavilion were constructed using wood, painted black to create a striking contrast. Inside, digital printing was used to bring the vibrant graphics to life. Simple LED lights were employed to create the analog animation, while hidden speakers emitted the pulsing sound.

The pavilion itself is a three-meter-tall black cube with a single entrance. Once inside, visitors find themselves in a cylindrical space with an anamorphical projection on the walls. The brand elements, including posters and stationery, were digitally printed on white paper and feature the same vibrant graphics found inside the pavilion. The one-minute-long pulsing sound was digitally created using Cubase Studio audio editing software.

The Pulse Pavilion operates by utilizing light, colors, and sound to create abstract anamorphosis and a sense of tension and illusion. The exterior of the cube is painted black, while the interior walls are adorned with vibrant graphics that visually represent the audio playing in the background. The animation on the wall is based on the RGB-CMYK color systems, with the digitally printed CMYK material illuminated by RGB LED lights. The alternation of these filters creates the illusion of animation, allowing visitors to see the audio as they listen to it.

The Pulse Pavilion was created in Hungary, Budapest, during the summer of 2015. Throughout the design process, extensive research was conducted on anamorphosis-based artworks, light installations, Swiss poster design, 3D modeling art, and noise music. The technical implementation involved experimenting with different LED lamps and CMYK printing settings to achieve the best results.

This groundbreaking design has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Silver A' Design Award in 2016. The Pulse Pavilion exemplifies excellence, innovation, and artistic skill, captivating audiences with its technical prowess and awe-inspiring experience.


Project Details and Credits

Project Designers: József Gergely Kiss
Image Credits: Image #1: The Pulse Pavilion Image #2: One of the posters Image #3: The Pulse publication about the concept Image #4: Part of the stationery
Project Team Members: Tamás Máté architect, who assisted With the building plans for the pavilion.
Project Name: Pulse Pavilion
Project Client: József Gergely Kiss


Pulse Pavilion IMG #2
Pulse Pavilion IMG #3
Pulse Pavilion IMG #4
Pulse Pavilion IMG #5
Pulse Pavilion IMG #5

Read More on Design Radiant