Technically speaking, suspension bridges have a lot in common with string instruments. We just don't think of them that way, because we don't actually have a bow big enough to play them or fingers strong enough to pluck them — which is probably good, structurally speaking. The human harp aims to change that.
The human harp is actually a series of small, arduino-based string-feeding discs. These discs attach themselves, like magnetic parasites, to a bridge's cables. By pulling upon the strings housed within these discs, sounds based on tension and angle are produced. Arduinos housed within the discs then read and translate the tension, speed and angle of each tug upon the string into sound. Each disc is also capable of being programmed to emit its own unique array of tones.
To play the human harp, you'll have to put on a specially-designed suit. Numerous magnetic mounts, placed all over the suit, make the suit's wearer into a living, breathing bow capable of playing the harp and by extension the bridge itself.
The human harp is still in development with only a single experimental performance under its belt to date. That performance took place upon New York's iconic Brooklyn Bridge. in the future, the human harp's creators hope to take their creation on the road, touring many of the world's most well-renowned bridges and sourcing the tones the harp creates from local artists and ambient sounds. To catch a glimpse of what is to come, check out the video below, which documents the human harp's single performance to date.
Youtube, via Designboom
Posts
