Nirvana Kinetyske Lûdynstallaasje by Zhenglong Yang

Nirvana Kinetyske Lûdynstallaasje by Zhenglong Yang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award yn Brûns in Ynstalaasje Ûntwerp Competition Category.

BrûnsYnstalaasje· 2025

Nirvana Kinetyske Lûdynstallaasje

by Zhenglong Yang

A' Design Award yn Brûns Winner in Ynstalaasje Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Nirvana Kinetyske Lûdynstallaasje

Nirvana fersmelt tradysje en technology, mei in matrix fan motorisearre Wooden Fish, tradisjonele East-Azyatyske rituele ynstruminten. Elk ynstrumint befettet in automatisearre slachstok synchronisearre fia physical computing, wêrtroch rytmyske auditive patroanen ûntstean. De yndieling is fisueel fassinearjend, kombinearret hânmakke foarmen mei meganyske presyzje, en beljochtet ynnovaasje troch harmony tusken rituelen út it ferline en eigentiidske kinetyske keunst.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award yn Brûns

Nirvana Kinetyske Lûdynstallaasje is in winner fan de A' Design Award yn Brûns, in heech prestisjeuze erkenning foar treflike ûntwerpen dy't har ûnderskiede troch kreativiteit, fernuft en tûkens. Brûnswinners binne tige feardige en opfallend kreative artefakten dy't de grutte ûnderfining, ferbylding en betochtsumens fan har ûntwerpers befêstigje. Fan Nirvana Kinetyske Lûdynstallaasje wurdt ferwachte dat it in tige heech achte, bewûndere en dierber objekt is dat opmerklik profesjoneel en ynnovatyf is. Dit winnende ûntwerp fan de A' Design Award yn Brûns yntegrearret de bêste praktiken yn keunst, wittenskip, ûntwerp en technology en is treflik om syn omtinken foar detail. Nirvana Kinetyske Lûdynstallaasje foldocht behoeften prachtich, reitsjet winsken, betsjoeveret gefoelens en sprekt nijsgjirrigens oan.

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