Milan Design Week 2024: Google and Chromasonic Transform Light Into Sound for Making Sense of Color Exhibition … – Cool Hunting

An ethereal immersion into the power and interconnectedness of our senses

Unless youve been following Salone del Mobile for the last few years, Google might not be the first organization to come to mind when you hear the words Milan Design Week. And yet, for attendees, years after year, the tech pioneer has continued to explore the world of design through our interconnected sensesand our abundance of feelingswith exhibitions like A Space for Being with Suchi Reddy and Shaped by Water with Lachlan Turczan. This year, at Garage 21 from 15-21 April, Googles Vice President of Hardware Design, Ivy Ross, will present Making Sense of Colorin collaboration with arts and research labChromasonic. The immersive installation, which translates light into sound is as spectacular as it is serene.

In Making Sense of Color, translucent scrims form three rows of seven partially enclosed spaces. All 21 of these nodes are enhanced with a dedicated color-shifting light source and enveloping spatialized audio. With Chromasonics refrequencing technology, the frequencies emanating from a soothing lightscape are translated into sound while guests pass from space to space, engaging with others or finding their own peace in the waves of color.

We create a condition where you can see sound or hear light

At a really fundamental level, we connect light frequencies and sound frequencies, multimedia artist Johannes Girardoni, Chromasonics cofounder, explains to COOL HUNTING on site. We map light waves to sound waves to help us all expand our perception. We use technology to do that. We create a condition where you can see sound or hear light because we are aligning all the frequencies and waves algorithmically. In person, an immediate calm descends as one steps into the experiential space.

In addition to being a sensory immersion, its also a tale of human connectionwith pleasant encounters shared in the space. Its a use of technology that allows us to move our presence into ourselves, to move into the presence of others, and to connect through community, Girardoni continues. The physical spatial expression of this installation creates an elasticization of space through the movement of light and sound so space may appear to expand and contract. When youre in the space with other participants, they may appear or disappear. You notice yourself. You notice others.

Ross explains that Chromasonics work at the intersection of art and science is what appealed to Google. They embrace both physical and virtual sensory technologies to create visceral experiences that really resonate with us and relate to how we approach design, she tells us. In the case ofMaking Sense of Color, their portion of the exhibit embodies the answer to the question, what does color sound like?'

Color gives life a pulse

At the Google Hardware Design Studio we are always considering the sensorial nature of what we design,color being an important aspect, Ross says. Each color transmits a different vibration. That vibration has a biological and psychological effect on us. Color gives life a pulse. Color resonates with vibrancy, embodying energy, evoking emotion. Right now we are going through a lot of emotion as a society so understanding the power of color and its different properties feels relevant.

As for the importance of Milan Design Week, Ross adds that, we believe that Salone is the best showcase for design, attracting folks from all over the world. It is the best place to share with the world the thought leadership of the Google Hardware Design group. Our Making Sense of Color experience culminates in a feast for the eyes that shows how color comes to life through the design of Googles hardware portfolio that will be on display. For those in Milan for Salone del Mobile, its a cant missand for those who are mesmerized from afar, the Chromasonic portion of the installation will travel to other destinations in the future.

Milan Design Week 2024: Google and Chromasonic Transform Light Into Sound for Making Sense of Color Exhibition

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Milan Design Week 2024: Google and Chromasonic Transform Light Into Sound for Making Sense of Color Exhibition ... - Cool Hunting