I collaborated with the Danish artist duo FOO/SKOU on innovative sound art installations that integrate thermal cameras and the Bela platform to create interactive and immersive auditory experiences. This project is part of the CONNECT ME exhibition at Trapholt Museum in Kolding, Denmark.

FOO/SKOU (Louise Foo og Martha Skou). Foto: Rikke Flensberg

Project Overview

Our joint projects focused on capturing real-time thermal data from the environment and translating it into dynamic soundscapes. By utilizing thermal cameras, we were able to detect temperature variations caused by human presence and motion. This thermal information was then processed through custom audio software running on the Bela platform, known for its low-latency audio processing capabilities, to generate responsive audio outputs. The thermal data influenced various sound parameters, such as pitch, time, volume, and timbre, creating an interactive sonic environment that evolved based on the movements and interactions of participants. The basis of the sound scape consisted of a singer that has recorded a series of vocal harmonies that represented each of the planets in the solar system. The installation was set up in Trapholt Museum in Kolding as part of the Connect Me exhibision, where the audience could explore the auditory landscape by moving through the space and observing the effects of their presence on the sound environment.

Technical Implementation

• Thermal Cameras: We employed thermal imaging devices to monitor temperature fluctuations within the installation space. These cameras provided continuous thermal data streams, capturing the heat signatures of participants and ambient conditions.

• Bela Platform: The thermal data was fed into the Bela platform, which processed the information in real-time. Bela’s high-performance audio processing allowed us to map temperature changes to various sound parameters, such as pitch, volume, and timbre, creating an immediate auditory response to thermal variations.

Technical Overview of a single planet in the Installation, there was 9 planets

Artist Interview

Listen to the artist duo FOO/SKOU talk about the project in this interview:

Artistic Expression

The integration of thermal cameras and Bela enabled the creation of soundscapes that were directly influenced by the presence and movement of individuals within the space. As participants moved through the installation, their body heat altered the thermal readings, which in turn modulated the generated sounds. This setup fostered a unique interaction between the audience and the artwork, as the sound environment evolved based on human activity and environmental factors.

Vis dette opslag på Instagram

Et opslag delt af Louise Foo / Martha Skou (@fooskou)

Challenges and Innovations

One of the primary challenges was calibrating the infrared cameras to detect only human presence while rejecting other temperature variations. We developed custom algorithms to differentiate between human heat signatures and other thermal noise, ensuring that the system responded accurately to participants’ movements. This calibration was crucial for creating a responsive and immersive soundscape that truly reflected the presence and actions of the audience.

Impact and Reception

The resulting installations offered participants an immersive experience where they could perceive the usually invisible thermal aspects of their environment through sound. This fusion of technology and art invited audiences to explore the interplay between their physical presence and the auditory landscape, leading to heightened awareness of their surroundings and their impact on the installation.

Collaborating with FOO/SKOU on these projects allowed us to push the boundaries of interactive sound art, demonstrating how emerging technologies like thermal imaging and platforms like Bela can be harnessed to create responsive and engaging artistic experiences.