The physical shape of the Brainwave Sofa [lucasmaassen.com] by Lucas Maassen and Dries Verbruggen from Unfold is determined by a 3 second wave of Alpha brain activity captured as an elektro-encefalogram (EEG) using a set of electrodes connected to the head. It shows the 3 seconds when the eyes are closed, as the Alpha activity is peculiar because it strengthens when one closes the eyes in contrast to other brain activity that dims. This, in fact, is to prepare the brain for the large input of signals when one opens the eyes.
The data is represented as a 3D data landscape by a computer application for visualizing neuro-feedback: the depth is the frequency of the brain-activity in hertz, the height is the strength of the signal, and the length is the timescale. Based on this 3D-EEG data, the file got directly milled in foam by a 3D CNC milling machine and then upholstred in felt by hand.
The resulting Brainwave Sofa is a tongue-in-cheek reference to a futuristic production workflow in which the designer only has to close his eyes and a computer 'prints' the result out as a functional form.
See also Tidal Data Table, Sound Chair and Sound of Light.
Exhibited at Bits 'n Pieces. Via Moco Loco.
