Nirvana Isistiho Somsindo Esinyakazayo by Zhenglong Yang

Nirvana Isistiho Somsindo Esinyakazayo by Zhenglong Yang is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award in Ukufakwa Competition Category.

IbhulonziUkufakwa· 2025

Nirvana Isistiho Somsindo Esinyakazayo

by Zhenglong Yang

Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award Winner in Ukufakwa Category

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The Design

About Nirvana Isistiho Somsindo Esinyakazayo

I-Nirvana ihlanganisa isiko nobuchwepheshe, ibonisa imatriki yezinHlanzi Zokhuni eziqhutshwa yimishini, izinsimbi zamasiko zaseMpumalanga ne-Asia. Isinsimbi ngasinye siqukethe isishayeli esizenzakalelayo esihambisaniswe ngokubalwa okuphathekayo, sidale amaphethini omsindo anesigqi. Ukuhleleleka kuyaheha ngokubukeka, kuhlanganisa izimo ezenziwe ngesandla nokunemba kwamashini, kugqamisa ukuqamba ngokuvumelana phakathi kwamasiko endulo nobuciko besimanje obunyakazayo.

The Recognition

About the Umklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award

Nirvana Isistiho Somsindo Esinyakazayo iwinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award, ukwaziswa okuhloniphekile kakhulu okunikezwa imiklamo ephawulekayo eyehlukaniswa ukudala, ubuhlakani nobukhali bengqondo. Abawinile beBhulonzi yimisebenzi enobuchule obukhulu nedala ngokumangalisayo eqinisekisa isipiliyoni esibanzi, umcabango nobuhlakani babaklami babo. Nirvana Isistiho Somsindo Esinyakazayo ilindeleke ukuba ibe yinto exatshwa kakhulu, edunyiswayo nethandwayo, enobungcweti obuphawulekayo nezinto ezintsha. Lo mklamo owinile uMklomelo Webhulonzi we-A' Design Award uhlanganisa izindlela ezinhle kakhulu ebuciko, esayensi, ekuklameni nasebuchwepheshe futhi uhamba phambili ngenxa yokunaka kwawo imininingwane. Nirvana Isistiho Somsindo Esinyakazayo iyanelisa izidingo ngokumangalisayo, ithinta izifiso, iheha imizwa futhi ikhanga ukufuna ukwazi.

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