When I first saw the photos from this lovely installation in Montreal I smiled. I absolutely love, when a city allows artists to put up installations that makes the citizens use the their city. But the I saw the video!
It made me love this installation even more!
21 Balançoires (21 Swings) is a recent project by Canadian design collective Daily Tous Les Jours, known for their wide variety of interactive public installations and experiences. Surrounded on both sides by a new music complex and science center, designers Mouna Andraos and Melissa Mongiat chose to bridge the gap between the two by converting a narrow strip of land into an enormous interactive instrument.
Pre-recorded sounds from a xylophone, piano, and other instruments were programmed into color-coded swings that when in use play various notes, however when swung in unison with careful cooperation, more complex melodies and harmonies arise. An additional “secret mode” was programmed to only play when all 21 swings were in use.
Fantastic how this installation inspires and promts interaction.