Ars Electronica Festival

The interactive Media Facade of the AEC Centre is used for real-time visualization of social media content related to the Ars Electronica Festival.

Incoming texts are converted into light sequences, which are then “stored” and repeatedly “morse coded” through individual LED elements of the facade. From the opposite riverbank, a decoding device enables spectators to access the stored messages by directing a camera at various parts of the facade.

The integrated text-to-speech synthesis system then vocalizes the incoming words and phrases, sometimes in a partially scrambled or rearranged form, as the camera moves across the building’s exterior. Visitors can create a personalized and poetic experience, reflecting the collective emotions captured by the facade.

2009 • Linz • AEC
Festival: Ars Electronica Human Nature