UK-based studio random international has developed the interactive light installation ‘swarm study/iii’ on special commission of london’s victoria and albert museum and in association with the carpenters workshop gallery. the piece overhangs the staircase adjoining the V&A’s architecture and ceramics galleries, where it will remain for three years.

 

‘swarm study/iii’ consists of four cubic forms suspended from the ceiling, each composed of a grid of illuminated brass rods. a camera placed next to the piece tracks visitor movement, causing the lights of the installation to flicker, brighten, and dim in response.

 

‘though apparently inanimate,’ the V&A notes, ”swarm study/iii’ translates collective behavioural patterns found in nature into moving light. the installation is brought to life by visitors’ activity, engaging them with both the swarm itself and the surround space of the museum.’

random international: swarm study/iii at the V&A
view from gallery floor
‘swarm study / iii’ by random international (2011)
image courtesy of V&A 

random international: swarm study/iii at the V&A
‘swarm study / iii’ by random international (2011)
image courtesy of V&A 

random international: swarm study/iii at the V&A
closer view
‘swarm study / iii’ by random international (2011), at london’s victoria and albert museum
image courtesy of V&A 

random international: swarm study/iii at the V&A
close view from below
‘swarm study / iii’ by random international (2011)
image courtesy of V&A 

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random international: swarm study/iii at the V&A

infiniti digital art competition
designboom collaborated with INFINITI for an international competition asking participants to design spectacular or interactive digital artworks, to be installed and displayed throughout europe. participation was open to applicants from every country in the world: to professionals, students, vjs, and design-enthusiasts.

registration was free and open through to july 8th, 2011. for more information about the competition, click here.