Team Members: Eric Ameres, Zackery Belanger, Guillermo Bernal, Seth EdwardsManta is a surface that changes its form - and therefore acoustic character - in response to multimodal input including sound, stereoscopic vision, multi-touch, and brainwaves. While adaptable acoustics are common, Manta
explores new levels of continuity and responsiveness, advancing
acoustic systems beyond individual elements and corrective treatment. Manta is comprised of CNC machined panels and connectors of two thicknesses of high density polyethylene, and curved forms result from a combination of triangulation and bending stiffness: geometry and material in concert. The result is a controlled morphing that is suspended at a minimum of points. Manta
was designed and fabricated as part of Smartgeometry 2012 to utilize
the rigging infrastructure and acoustically inert environment of
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Experimental Media and Performing
Arts Center.