Atmospheres – Through Projections on a Living Surface

In this paper I present my on-going work on a design model aimed at the design of motion graphics applied in spatial contexts.1 In this work I integrate various design elements and components as e.g. line and shape, tone and colour, time and timing, rhythm and movement with conceptualizations of space, liveness and atmosphere. With the development of this model I wish to contribute to the on-going development of the use of video projections and motion graphics as important visual, spatial and narrative elements within the field of spatial experience design, e.g. in performance, exhibition design and events. The model is being designed with two purposes in mind. One is a tool for analyzing empirical examples or cases where video projections are used in spatial experience design. The second is to create a tool that can be useful in actual design processes. In this paper I describe a case where video projection on a living surface was part of an experimental dance performance. Based on this case I incorporate descriptions derived from the field of aesthetics, specifically atmospheres understood as a concept of new aesthetics as described by philosopher Gernot Böhme.2 Finally I look into how this concept, related descriptions and theories might be considered of relevance for inclusion in the design model.