Experiential
The Orpheum
Three.js, GSAP, JavaScript, WebSockets, Arduino, Node.js, Tone.js
About the project
The Orpheum was an award-winning large-scale, interactive art installation created by Art & Science and set up at Mississauga’s Celebration Square for five weeks of winter festivals. Blending art, music, and light, The Orpheum allowed participants to trigger musical compositions and animated light displays by touching a 10-finger touchscreen. Each interaction filled the “pipes” with light, changing color and intensity to match the user’s input, while concert-grade speakers broadcast the sound across the square. The installation became a highlight of events like New Year’s Eve and Hometown Hockey, offering over 3000 performances, all connected to the square’s DMX lighting system.
- roleLead Visual Developer on the physical Orpheum, Lead Developer on the companion website
- year2018
- agencyArt & Science
- awards2019 AVA Award – Platinum Art Installation, 2019 DOT COMM Award – Platinum
- url
Technology
The visuals for The Orpheum were created using Three.js, with touch detection handled by an IR bezel capable of tracking multiple fingers. When a user touched the screen, a shader-generated water droplet was triggered, along with a musical note. The type of sound produced depended on the mode and touch location, with five modes available. Each touch also broadcast a websocket event, which controlled both the DMX lighting across the square and the colored bubble animations within The Orpheum’s tube lights, creating a dynamic visual and auditory experience.
The companion website was also developed using Three.js and GSAP. It served as an interactive digital version of The Orpheum, allowing users to learn about its history and play a virtual version of the instrument online.
Read more about The Orpheum
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