Winner of the highly competitive No.8@Arup design competition in London, and a first edition of The Sentiment Cocoon Project. The Sentiment Coocoon has been featured in numerous design and academic publications publications including MONDOarc and Routlege Press. This work also went on to win the 2016 International Media Architecture Award (MAB16)
The Sentiment Cocoon is a site specific 20m tall interactive installation designed by architect Moritz Behrens and lighting designer Konstantinos Mavromichalis which collects and visualises the emotions of the buildings occupants.
The lighting design creates an enigmatic display, with ambient light trickling into the cocoon from the sky and blending with light emitted from LEDs. This allows for a rich interaction of varying forms of light, which is diffused through the skin of the cocoon.
Light pulses travelling within the cocoon would indicate individual interactions or, 'sentiment recordings'. Collectively these discreet light pulses would represent a collective visualisation of the Arup staff at any given time of day.
The translucency of the material creates an effect whereby the suspended Sentiment Cocoon becomes a striking visual display of light that has been informed by the feelings of people working at Arup.
The 20m high installation came together over the period of 7 days within a fully functioning office environment. The assembly was in part carried out by a 'wrapping robot'.
The sentiments were encoded in different colours and movement. Colour gradients, the velocity and patterns of movement all signified emotional factors. Over time these patterns became recognisable and therefore people working in No.8 experienced, or 'sensed' the overriding sentiment of the day within the office.
Sentiments were recorded by the use of an individuals Oyster card, making them both a unique interaction but also protecting their privacy.
“I am very excited by this year’s installation for No.8@Arup. Designed by Moritz Behrens & Konstantinos Mavromichalis, the Sentiment Cocoon is a fascinating combination of robotic construction, responsive design, and a beautiful illuminated sculpture”. - Tristram Carfrae, Deputy Chairman, Arup LTD