Introduction
The Kinect, a motion sensing input device developed by Microsoft, was originally designed as a gaming accessory for the Xbox 360. However, with its ability to track movements and gestures in real-time, the Kinect has found a new home in the world of art and architecture as a tool for creating interactive installations and experiences.
How Does it Work?
The Kinect uses a combination of cameras, infrared sensors and microphones to track the movements and gestures of people in front of it. This data is then processed by software to create a real-time 3D model of the person, which can be used to control various elements of an interactive installation.
Art Applications
The Kinect has been used in a variety of art installations, from interactive sculptures to immersive environments. One example is Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's "Pulse Room", which uses the heartbeat of the participants to control the lights in the room.
Another example is Chris Milk's "The Treachery of Sanctuary", which allows participants to control the movements of birds on a screen by flapping their arms.
Architecture Applications
The Kinect has also been used in the field of architecture to create interactive installations and experiences. One example is the "Living Wall" installation by Matthew Mohr, which uses the Kinect to track the movements of people in front of it and project their faces onto a wall made up of thousands of small screens.
Another example is the "Morphing Building" installation by Arup, which uses the Kinect to track the movements of people in front of it and morph the appearance of the building in real-time.
Conclusion
The Kinect has opened up new possibilities for creating interactive installations and experiences in the worlds of art and architecture. Its ability to track movements and gestures in real-time has allowed artists and designers to create immersive environments that respond to the actions of the participants. As technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative uses of the Kinect in the future.
