House of Cymatics The immediacy of the perception of sound
Burning Man
Honoraria Grants Submission
Introduction From the microscopic to the galactic our universe consists of remarkable patterns and music - or sound - is of course no different. However these patterns are usually only heard and not seen. All around us things are vibrating, changing and shifting, creating these noises and patterns and Cymatics is like a window looking into this. It enables us to reveal these patterns that we couldn’t normally see. A scientific study has been undertaken in which sound has been the driving force in creating form from matter. This study has not only been into the visualisation of sound and music, but an exploration of how the two can share form and meaning. “Everything owes its existence, solely and completely to sound. Sound is a factor which holds it together. Sound is a basis of form and shape. In the beginning the beginning there was a word, and the word was god. We are told that this is how the world began and how creation took shape. If we put that into the modern idiom, and say that into the great voids and space came a sound and matter took shape.� -Dr. Hans Jenny
Toby Plunkett | House of Cymatics Burning Man Honorarium
1 | Burning Man Panoramic
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1 | Burning Man Panoramic
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Concept Cymatic Cymatics itself allows one to bring matter to life with the use of sound, in turn creating forms in both two dimensions and three. This science offers a looking glass through into a hidden world, unveiling substances, forms and patterns previously unseen. Specific sounds or vibrations can be used to recreate the archetypal forms of nature, such as those found within snowflakes and the golden ration – synonymous with natural form. By considering that sound has a form and can not only affect matter, but also can cause form, through my research these vibrations and sounds have been modelled in an isotropic 3D form - essentially allowing one to create a pavilion that represents a specifically frozen point in a moment of music. This is not only a visualization of sound, but an exploration of how we can share and form meaning from it. Shown across these pages are physical reinterpretations of this science devised to create something quite extraordinary - The physical essence of sound.
Voronoi Pattern Circle Attractors Square Attractors
Toby Plunkett | House of Cymatics Burning Man Honorarium
1 | Cymatic Pattern Comparison 2 | Cymatic Light Projection 3 | Voronoi Cymatic Panel 4 | Cymatic Panel Tests
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5 | ‘Top’ View of Cymatic Model 6 | ‘Isometric’ View of Cymatic Model 7 | ‘Front’ View of Cymatic Model 8 | ‘Sectional’ View of Cymatic Model
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Burning Man Proposal Emerging form my study on Cymatics a three dimensional resonance pattern has been used as the form. The raw geometry of these three dimensional resonance patterns comes in the form of a triply periodic surface - a form of which is synonymous with complex building technics, perhaps not best suited to the situation. As such a single curved interpretation has been devised. The single curved system is more structurally sable, allowing people to interact with the pavilion, climb and explore it’s entirety, take shelter inside and sit on the outside. The curved profiles have Cymatic patterns which not only help the ply to flex, but also add a further dimension to the symbolism and beauty. After dusk, lights within will project these patterns onto the nearby playa adding immediacy to the installation. The possibility of an audible Cymatic system is apparent depending on budget. On each of the modules different patterns will be found, these patterns will represent a certain sound, a music note or frequency and as people touch the panels the sound will play. This will not be an over bearing sound, to which might distract or negatively effect the surroundings but one which is just audible for the burners interacting.
Toby Plunkett | House of Cymatics Burning Man Honorarium
1 | Burning Man ‘Panel’ Proposal
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2 | Burning Man ‘Single Fold’ Proposal 3 | Detailed Seating Imagery 4 | Detailed Internal Imagery
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Orthographics The pavilion itself it 3.5m tall - or roughly 12’-13’ feet. This size is limited to the material sheets available, in this case 8x4’ sheets of plywood. On this page shows the Plan, Elevation and a Section of the proposal in order to better appreciate its size and dimensions. An exploded axonometric is also included to help show a better understanding to the internal structural and external skin elements and how they fit together, creating the form. If it is chosen to include the sound system the devised which will make this possible is called an ototo, this simple instrument is able to transform almost any surface into a musical instrument. This is a simple device with very little to go wrong and easily contained within the structural volume and makes no difference to it’s appearance, only the degree of underactivity present. The size chosen is a human scale and as such it does not discourage age interaction rather encourages it. The corner seating areas are at an appropriate ergonomic height and as such are not only easily accessible but also relatively comfortable. As with the internal space, the opening is large enough for easy access and also has enough space in order for participants to sit comfortably and interact.
Top Vie w( 02)
Sec tio n (0 3)
Ele vati on
Toby Plunkett | House of Cymatics Burning Man Honorarium
Vie w( 01)
3500mm 1250mm
625mm
3500mm
1250mm
625mm
Module Example Elevation View (01)
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1 | Elevation 2 | Top View 3 | Section
Top View (02)
Section (03)
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Manufacturing The manufacturing will take place in LA and consists of laser cut plywood. The needed elements for one module are shown below and consist of 4 sheets of Bending Lauan which will be used for the 25 pieces of curved skin and 7 sheets of CD Structural Plywood which will be used for the internal 14 structural elements. Scale models out of multiple materials have been tested - shown across is a 1:5 cardboard test model - and it has been found that plywood is the most successful in holding it’s curvature while remaining structurally sound. Tests have also been carried out on the amount, size and density of the patterns on the curved sheets in order that the light projects successfully onto the pavilion surface and playa yet allows the form to remain structurally sound and physically safe.
8X 2440Wx122H0x5D | Bending Lauan Plywood
8X 2440Wx122H0x15D | CDC Structural Plywood
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Toby Plunkett | House of Cymatics Burning Man Honorarium
1 | Laser or Routing Layout 2 | ‘Front’ View of 1/20 model 3 | ‘Side’ View of 1/20 model 4 | ‘Rear’ View of 1/20 model
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Construction Sequence
1: The individual components of each module will be arranged and organised. Including both structural and skin elements.
2: The structural elements of the outer and inner parts will be joined with metal brackets and the skin attached over with zip ties.
3: The two elements will then be temporarily joined together and transported the playa where the next stages will be completed.
4: On the playa the internal sections will be joined together using metal brackets and zip ties and anchored to the playa.
5: The outer pars of the components will then be attached to create the bottom half of the pavilion. These will be anchored to the playa as well.
6: This bottom half is structurally stable on its own and allows for a safe a secure base for the next stages to work form.
7: As with previously, the central column will be extended with the other modules. At this stage the structure is starting to take form and electrical items will be added ad hoc.
8: With all parts attached the form is completed. Any lights, electrical items, etc.. will be finished and tested before a through check of the pavilion takes place before the opening.
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5-12 | Construction Sequence
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March
April
May
June
July
August
September
Project Time line A general time line has been formulated from the time of appointment up until the end of Burning Man. This includes time in which any design development may need to be made upon comments from the Burning Man organisation. Along with scheduled time for structural consultancy and construction drawings to take place. Co-ordination and enabling works will take place throughout in order to insure the project will run smoothly when arriving in America. A detailed Gantt chart of the construction process has also been attached separately. This shows in much more detail the timescale and processes which will be undertaken during the construction, use and tear down of the project.
Design development
Structural Consultant
Construction Drawings Co-ordination
Manufacture
Component Collection
Prefabrication
Construction
BURNING MAN
UK
Deconstruct
US Burning Man
Tidy up Detailed Gantt Chart Attached Separately
Toby Plunkett | House of Cymatics Burning Man Honorarium
Project Budget
Materials
Tier 01
Tier 02
$5000
$500
Interactive Sound System | Ototo “Ototo is an all-in-one musical invention kit which allows you to make an instrument any way you want.”
Manufacture
$10000
$10000
Interactive Sound System $2000
$0
Tools/Hardware
$1000
$1000
Lighting/Electrical
$4000
$4000
Transport
$3000
$3000
TOTAL:
$2500
$2300
Ototo is a system in which enables any surface to became interactive, it’s a small synthesiser with 12 on board touch sensitive strips, by connecting materials to these strips ototo can make them react to touch; turning anything into an instrument. It is an all in one unit, with it’s own batteries, sounds and speaker although it can be expanded to include specific sounds and larger speakers.
As with the time line, this an overview of the project budget separated into generalised sections. A more detailed breakdown of all the fundamental parts, costs and quantities has been attached upon the application separately and should always be referred to for exacting figures. Separated into two ‘tiers’. Tier 01 includes the Interactive sound system mentioned on this page and previously whereas Tier 02 is subject to it’s removal.
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Toby Plunkett
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The House Of Cymatics
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tobyp@live.co.uk