Nirvana Kinetische Klanginstallation by Zhenglong Yang

Nirvana Kinetische Klanginstallation by Zhenglong Yang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Bronze in Installationsdesign Competition Category.

BronzeInstallation· 2025

Nirvana Kinetische Klanginstallation

by Zhenglong Yang

A' Design Award in Bronze Winner in Installation Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #163757

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Colors

The Design

About Nirvana Kinetische Klanginstallation

Nirvana vereint Tradition und Technologie mit einer Matrix aus motorisierten Holzfisch-Instrumenten, traditionellen ostasiatischen Ritualinstrumenten. Jedes Instrument beherbergt einen automatisierten Schlagmechanismus, der über Physical Computing synchronisiert wird und rhythmische Klangmuster erzeugt. Die Anordnung fesselt visuell durch die Verbindung handgefertigter Formen mit mechanischer Präzision und unterstreicht Innovation durch die Harmonie zwischen traditionellen Ritualen und zeitgenössischer kinetischer Kunst.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Bronze

Nirvana Kinetische Klanginstallation ist Gewinner des A' Design Award in Bronze, einer hochprestigeträchtigen Anerkennung für herausragende Designs, die sich durch Kreativität, Einfallsreichtum und Scharfsinn auszeichnen. Bronze-Gewinner sind reichlich geschickte und auffallend kreative Artefakte, die die große Erfahrung, Fantasie und Findigkeit ihrer Designer belegen. Von Nirvana Kinetische Klanginstallation wird erwartet, dass es ein hochgeschätztes, bewundertes und geliebtes Objekt ist, das bemerkenswert professionell und innovativ ist. Dieses mit dem A' Design Award in Bronze prämierte Design verkörpert bewährte Verfahren in Kunst, Wissenschaft, Design und Technologie und ist hervorragend in seiner Liebe zum Detail. Nirvana Kinetische Klanginstallation befriedigt Bedürfnisse auf großartige Weise, berührt Wünsche, bezaubert Gefühle und spricht die Neugier an.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: "Nirvana" is a kinetic sound installation merging Buddhist philosophy with technology, it reinterprets ancient spiritual practices, offering viewers a unique, technology-driven meditative experience that bridges the gap between traditional Buddhism and contemporary art. It features motorized Wooden Fish arranged in a matrix. These traditional instruments, crucial in East Asian Mahayana Buddhist rituals, are synchronized through physical computing.
Dimensions & Packaging: Each panel is 2' (W) by 8' (H).
Tags: Installation, Buddhism, Sound, Immersive, Physical Computing
Production Technology: Realization Technology: Physical Computing
Materials: Solid Wood, Plywood, DC Motor, Sensor, Customized PCB Boards
Design Challenge: The primary challenge was mastering physical computing to synchronize 96 motors for perfect operation. Another hurdle was developing a robust connection mechanism. This required multiple iterations of custom 3D-printed parts to securely grip the Wooden Fish and mallets. The design process involved several rounds of modifications before reaching the final version. Additionally, incorporating CNC technology to cut plywood presented its own set of challenges. These technical obstacles demanded innovative problem-solving, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern fabrication techniques to realize the ambitious vision of "Nirvana."
Inspiration: "Nirvana" is a word from the Buddhist concept of enlightenment and the role of rhythmic sound in spiritual practices. The Wooden Fish, traditionally used to maintain focus during meditation, symbolizes mindfulness and spiritual journey. This project demonstrates how technology can enhance and recontextualize spiritual practices. Merging Buddhist elements with contemporary art and technology invites viewers to contemplate their spiritual journey and the pursuit of inner peace.
Project Duration: The project started in January 2024 in New York, finished in May 2024 in New York, and was exhibited in the ITP Spring Show in May 2024.
Operation Flow: "Nirvana" is an autonomous installation that operates independently of audience presence. The Buddhist wooden fish instruments are continuously struck by motor-controlled mallets, generating an unceasing soundscape. This autonomous operation creates a powerful, immersive environment, drawing the audience into its rhythmic and spiritual essence.
Image Credits: Video Credits: Qinghui Kong