Nirvana Kinetische Geluidsinstallatie by Zhenglong Yang

Nirvana Kinetische Geluidsinstallatie by Zhenglong Yang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Brons in Interactieve, Ervaringsgerichte en Immersieve Ontwerpinstallaties Competition Category.

BronsInstallatie· 2025

Nirvana Kinetische Geluidsinstallatie

by Zhenglong Yang

A' Design Award in Brons Winner in Installatie Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #163757

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The Design

About Nirvana Kinetische Geluidsinstallatie

Nirvana verbindt traditie en technologie, met een matrix van gemotoriseerde Houten Vissen, traditionele Oost-Aziatische rituele instrumenten. Elk instrument bevat een geautomatiseerde hamer die via physical computing wordt gesynchroniseerd, waardoor ritmische geluidspatronen ontstaan. De opstelling boeit visueel en vermengt handgemaakte vormen met mechanische precisie, waarbij innovatie wordt benadrukt door de harmonie tussen oude rituelen en hedendaagse kinetische kunst.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Brons

Nirvana Kinetische Geluidsinstallatie is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Brons, een hoogst prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan uitstekende ontwerpen die zich onderscheiden door creativiteit, vindingrijkheid en scherpzinnigheid. Winnaars in Brons zijn ruimschoots vaardige en opvallend creatieve artefacten die de grote ervaring, verbeelding en het vernuft van hun ontwerpers bevestigen. Nirvana Kinetische Geluidsinstallatie wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerd, bewonderd en gekoesterd object te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Brons heeft gewonnen, verwerkt de beste praktijken in kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie en is uitstekend door zijn aandacht voor detail. Nirvana Kinetische Geluidsinstallatie bevredigt schitterend behoeften, raakt verlangens, charmeert gevoelens en spreekt de nieuwsgierigheid aan.

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