Pepi Ng
NYC-based creative technologist,
designer and community organizer
Birds in Flight
Kinetic sculpture that visualizes motion and flocking patterns of birds.
1. Inspiration
When Julia and I were tasked with developing an experience for Gallagher and Associates (G&A) as part of their SEDG XLab Studio Exhibition, we set out to create a kinetic sculpture that reflects the way G&A designs physical, immersive installations to spark meaningful experiences.
Our inspiration came from chronophotography—a technique that captures sequences of movement in rapid, regular intervals, much like stop-motion animation. We were especially influenced by the works of Arthur Ganson and Xavi Bou, who use motion and repetition to reveal patterns often invisible to the eye. We were also inspired by the kinetic sculptures created by Hypersonic.
“Ornithographies” by Xavi Bou
“Seed and Signal” by Hypersonic
2. Brainstorming & Sketching
With this in mind, we were set on designing a kinetic sculpture that evokes a flock of birds in flight. Each bird is positioned at a different phase of movement, creating a layered, step-by-step depiction of flight as it unfolds across the sky.
One challenge that we faced, however, was that the space at G&A was limited, and we wanted as much space as possible for visitors to walk around. We thus decided to take on the challenge of building the kinetic sculpture that hangs off the ceiling, so that visitors can walk underneath it. After all, it makes the most sense for the flying birds to be high, to mimic the experience in real-life. So, we went ahead to brainstorm the best ways to create and mount this kinetic sculpture from the ceiling.
Since we wanted the birds to mimic flying motion in a flowy way, we thought that using string would be the best way to hang the birds off a structure from the ceiling.
Mimicking flying motion
We knew that we wanted to showcase the birds flying in a flock, but in different phases, similar to this:
With that in mind, we had these two main factors to consider:
1. Vertical range of motion of the birds’ bodies
2. Horizontal range of motion of the birds’ wings.
First consideration: Vertical range of motion of the birds’ bodies
Julia and I first thought of creating a sine-curve, and have the birds be in a sine-wave formation. However, we realized that having the birds in a sine-way formation would mean that the height and range of motion at which the bodies of the various birds move would be different. The closer the bird is to y = 0, the smaller the range of vertical motion of the bird.
Julia and I wanted to make sure that the range of motion of the birds remained the same. Thus, we thought of creating a 3D - sine-wave, also known as a helix structure.
Here’s what a rotating sine wave, vs helix structure, with birds attached, would look like:
Renders created by Julia
Choosing materials
3. Prototyping
- 3D prints
4. Ordering Materials
- Ordering Metal
Julia and I decided to work with 1018 cold-rolled carbon steel round rods as our chosen material. It is the material we have experience working with, and it is great for generic, typical applications that do not require the greater strength of high carbon and alloy steels. We ordered our metals from OnlineMetals.com.
5. Making
The final metal pieces that we need for the kinetic sculptures look like this:
To create the metal helix structures, we decided to try out MakerSpace NYC
Julia welding steel rods
6. Final Assembly
7. Final product
8. Birds in Flight at SEGD XLabs Exhibition
Special thanks to SEGD for hosting the XLabs Exhibition and for allowing us to show our piece to visitors!
Credits
- Julia Daser
, once again, for being such a great collaborator for another ambitious project! - Gallagher and Associates (G&A)
for enthrusting us with this projectsp -
SEGD
for organizing the XLabs Exhibition - MakerSpace NYC
for the metal shop and laser cutter