Orizuru Room: An Interactive Lighting Installation

Bringing Traditional Japanese Origami to Life

Manazuru, known for its resemblance to a crane on a map, served as the inspiration for this installation. To symbolize the town, the design team collaborated with the Orizuru Association and a grand master of origami. Together, they created origami cranes, which became the centerpiece of the artwork. The term "Orizuru" refers to a crane made with origami, perfectly capturing the essence of this installation.

What sets Orizuru Room apart is its seamless integration of traditional Japanese origami with modern technology. The installation features 24 LED-lit origami cranes, LED strip lights on the floor, a projector for the back wall, and a Kinect sensor for interaction. The entire system is controlled by a single laptop using TouchDesigner, a visual development platform.

During the live show, Orizuru Room reacts to audio cues, creating a mesmerizing audio-visual experience. Additionally, the installation automatically responds to the presence of the audience. As individuals approach the cranes, the color changes, and music plays, further enhancing the immersive experience.

The technical challenges faced during the creation of Orizuru Room were overcome with innovative solutions. To ensure smooth control of the LED-lit cranes, the design team adopted multiple "Fadecandies" instead of the popular Arduino microcontroller. This decision resulted in a high frame rate and synchronized lighting effects. The inclusion of a Kinect sensor added another layer of interactivity, brightening the cranes when people approached them.

Orizuru Room was realized in a traditional Japanese tea room within the Manazuru Community Center. The design team meticulously tested various types of origami paper to find the perfect balance of durability and translucency. The chosen material, a thick stock of translucent drawing paper, allowed the LED lights to shine through, creating an ethereal ambiance.

Orizuru Room not only showcases the beauty of traditional Japanese origami but also demonstrates the possibilities that arise when art, architecture, design, and technology converge. By seamlessly blending the old with the new, Atsushi Joe Umeda has created an installation that captivates and inspires.

Orizuru Room is a testament to the power of collaboration, as the design team worked closely with local artisans and experts to bring their vision to life. This installation serves as a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Manazuru and its commitment to fostering creativity and innovation.

Orizuru Room is a shining example of how art and technology can come together to create a truly immersive and captivating experience. Its recognition with the Bronze A' Design Award is a testament to its ingenuity, technical prowess, and contribution to enhancing the quality of life through art and design.