The Prototype Archive 9 Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo Display of Sunlight through the Leaves (2006 -)
09.12.08
Photos by Makoto Fujii
Light and shadow displays that use natural sunlight as a light source. By using liquid crystal film that switches at high speed between transparent and opaque as pixels, light passing through can be subdivided and turned on or off. A natural phenomenon like sunlight through the leaves can be generated artificially and displayed as a projection of light and shadow on a wall or the ground. By filling your space with lively bundles of light, this system not only suggests a communication function but also proposes a new display that appeals to people’s aesthetic sensibilities.
Moreover, assigning an electronic code to the sunlight passing though the alternating liquid crystal film makes it possible to receive electronic information through devices equipped with light sensors. A mysterious interaction between people and sunlight even becomes possible by superimposing information filters on natural light.
They present two models: one with a 16 x 16 square pixel layout (can display text and figures) and one with a multi-level 8 x 8 leaf-shaped pixel layout that draws attention to the relationship between sunlight and leaf shapes. (from AXIS vol.123)
