Melting Distance

Interactive Art Installation

Even though we are separated by invisible barriers during challenging times, the human desire to forge deep, meaningful connections remains unquenchable. "Melting Distance" serves as a physical and visual metaphor for this resilience: where the frozen icebergs melt, a symbolic bridge is built, and we are profoundly connected once again.

TIMELINE 2021 // 3-Week Project

TEAM 2 People Team

MY ROLES Engineer, Designer

Background

In the wake of global challenges requiring strict social distancing, physical transparent dividers suddenly emerged everywhere in our daily environments. Although these glass and acrylic shields preserved our sight and hearing, they abruptly severed the vital physical connections and tangible interactions between individuals.

This project captures that specific isolation, conveying a powerful message: even when physically cordoned off, our intrinsic drive to connect with loved ones remains completely unquenchable.

Ideation & Material Metaphor

THE TRANSPARENT DIVIDER

Our initial concepts revolved around a traditional dividing board placed between two users. We designed a clear, interactive chamber allowing visual connection while preserving absolute physical separation.

FERROFLUID & ICEBERGS

We utilized ferrofluid to map the invisible energetic connection between people. The overall installation was fabricated in the shape of geometric icebergs, a striking poetic metaphor for human connection frozen under the pandemic.

Technical Details

HARDWARE & PHYSICAL

Arduino, Custom Electromagnets, Handheld Magnets, Fabricated Acrylic Chamber

SOFTWARE & FABRICATION

Blender (3D Visualization), Rhino (Laser Cutting Design), CNC/Laser Cutter

Interaction States

STATE 01

The Lone Presence

When the first participant approaches the installation, the translucent iceberg responds to their initial presence. It emanates a slow, gentle blue breathing light, reflecting anticipation and the peaceful yet isolated state of waiting.

STATE 02

The Second Arrival

As a second participant arrives at the opposite side of the divider, the installation recognizes their entry. The system continues to pulse in a calm blue rhythm, visually communicating to both users that someone is waiting on the other side of the ice.

STATE 03

Aligned Connection (Symmetric)

When both participants move their hands to the exact same position on opposite sides of the glass, the magnetic fields overlap perfectly. The ferrofluid leaps together, and the system erupts into a warm, glowing orange light effect, signaling a successful bridge.

STATE 04

Seeking & Flowing (Asymmetric)

If their hands are at different positions, a dynamic flowing blue light effect is generated. The light stream actively ripples across the iceberg, traveling from the seeking person's position toward the current location of the other participant's hand.