Emergence 2013
An endless flux of natural phenomena shape the reality we share. To celebrate the grand opening of the new SF Exploratorium in 2013, many of these phenomena were exposed through unique experiments, captured on camera and then projected on the facade of the new building. The experiments were carried out in carefully designed, miniature replicas of the the building, resulting in a total integration of phenomena with architectural form. No computer graphics were employed to create the experience.
Unedited, complete show (24 minutes)

Fabrication of the cloud tank enclosure

Cloud tank testing
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32 drain valves for creating cloud tank dynamics
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Cloud tank execution
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Crystal growing experiments
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Mono ammonium sulfate prototype
![Testing crystal enclosure [Tom Sepe]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/590650cd2e69cf367ceebe12/1493786138622-K00LMGFEIJ4PVYZREA0T/slides_0015_Screen+Shot+2017-05-02+at+9.07.24+PM.png.jpg)
Testing crystal enclosure [Tom Sepe]
![Lighting crystal enclosure [Tim Digulla - Obscura]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/590650cd2e69cf367ceebe12/1493786140044-AM1WHTOL4NADXH36N78B/slides_0016_Screen+Shot+2017-05-02+at+9.07.27+PM.png.jpg)
Lighting crystal enclosure [Tim Digulla - Obscura]

Crystals captured through an 8 day time lapse
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Crystal facade projection
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Crystal facade projection

Moulding template, parafin crayon wax stratification

10 minute time lapse with heat guns

Wax melt facade projection
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Wax melt facade projection
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Hybridized 'Fast Plants'
![Terrarium construction [Desmond Shea - Obscura]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/590650cd2e69cf367ceebe12/1493786160113-GZ0FIPAF7PX2M00HQ03R/slides_0026_Screen+Shot+2017-05-02+at+9.08.07+PM.png.jpg)
Terrarium construction [Desmond Shea - Obscura]

30 day time lapse
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Approximately 25 days

30 days

Plant growth facade projection
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Plant growth facade projection

Chemicals for experiments in thermodynamics / miscibility
![Miscibility execution [Garth Williams]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/590650cd2e69cf367ceebe12/1493786169700-S6U5R6LGI70TI5TXAVI3/slides_0032_Screen+Shot+2017-05-02+at+9.08.26+PM.png.jpg)
Miscibility execution [Garth Williams]

Miscibility facade projection

Miscibility facade projection

Prototype microscope slides - picosecond laser milled

Final enclosure - 350 microns deep
![Protozoa auditions [27 specimens ]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/590650cd2e69cf367ceebe12/1493786181695-DM3OMAJMY1DE8AKXJ0HP/slides_0039_Screen+Shot+2017-05-02+at+9.09.16+PM.png.jpg)
Protozoa auditions [27 specimens ]

Microscopy facade projection - Paramecium, stentor and other protozoa (natural bubbles)

Microscopy facade projection - Stentor protozoa

Microscopy facade projection (amoebas) - Captured at 17k(3 plates) Red camera mounted on Olympus microscope

Particle experiement

Color analysis - deriving palette

Palette applied to layers in post

Particle (sand) facade projection

Field collection of California flora and fauna

Subterranian strata - worm farm
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Forest floor set dressing
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Cucoloris lighting
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Ecosystem biopsy facade projection
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Borrowed FLIR, thermal cameras

Thermal mirror(cameras) capturing passers by - color remapped to facade performance

Thermal mirror - growth remap
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Thermal mirror - cloud tank remap
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Custom built synthesizer
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Vintage oscillator
![27 unique soundtracks / custom foley [Tim Digulla, Alex Oropeza, Desmond Shea- Obscura]](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/590650cd2e69cf367ceebe12/1493786225339-T13J4B68ZQXBDPEDCZP1/slides_0062_Screen+Shot+2017-05-02+at+9.10.36+PM.png.jpg)
27 unique soundtracks / custom foley [Tim Digulla, Alex Oropeza, Desmond Shea- Obscura]
I conceived, designed and directed this piece while working as creative director at Obscura Digital. However a large multidisciplinary team of talented people brought piece to life. I'd like to make special mention of Tim Digulla who made great contributions in the areas of lighting, photography, post production and sound design. Also worth mention is that Emergence was featured in the design book, Responsive Landscapes by Bradley Cantrell and Justine Holzman