Falling Water: A Dynamic Art Installation

Naai-Jung Shih's Interactive Design Captures the Essence of a Waterfall

The inspiration behind Falling Water is the concept of wishes as water drops. Shih believes that wishes, like water drops in a waterfall, should be chained together. Each branch of a waterfall behaves slightly differently, and Shih's design aims to capture this dynamic essence. The contrast between the static cubes and the dynamic beaded stream creates a visually striking effect, enhanced by the accompanying sounds.

What sets Falling Water apart from other installations is its interactive nature. Users can grip a cube by hand or place it on a holder, then watch as the beaded stream runs by rotating a knob or pulling by hand. The beaded stream can be rerouted along different notches, creating a variety of visual effects. Shih purposely chose shiny silver or metallic golden beads to contrast with the cube finishes and materials, further enhancing the visual impact.

The creation of Falling Water involved significant technological expertise. The cubes were made using a 3D printer, and each part had to be smooth enough to ensure a smooth flow of the beaded stream. Shih conducted research to create the cube with holes that would enable this smooth flow, using the 3D mathematical program k3dsurf to create the original shape and the 3D program Geomagic Studio to thicken and smooth the model.

Despite the technical challenges, Shih was able to create a successful design that has been recognized with a Golden A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award in 2018. The award is granted to outstanding creations that reflect the designer's prodigy and wisdom, embodying extraordinary excellence and significantly impacting the world with their desirable characteristics.

In conclusion, Naai-Jung Shih's Falling Water is a testament to the power of design, technology, and creativity. The interactive installation not only provides a unique visual and auditory experience but also encapsulates the dynamic essence of a waterfall, making it a truly unique piece of art.