our aim is to critically proffer an alternative paradigm— of repose, suspended in an atmosphere of light + lightness, which challenges and inspires us spatially and temporally to "float".

Embracing and broadening the demonstrative thought and techniques of non-sectarian meditation examined in LightShowers, the Atmosonic Dome propagates and extends the parallel (medical) research in biofeedback, ecological sustainability, sociology, theory, and scientific innovation toward practical use.

Given the overwhelming positive reception and the multiple invited showings and awards for LightShowers, the Atmosonic Dome project strongly identifies with the underlying need for expanded experiences in similar verifiable works. Incorporating cutting edge environmental sensory control systems for both low energy consumption and function the program for Atmosonic Dome strives to achieve maximum technological efficiency but, does not pre-suppose that quantifiable pragmatics can be the predominating criteria alone from which to determine our needs or evaluate success. Atmosonic Dome's primary functional goal is to activate a positive feed back loop that serves to demonstrate and instruct. Functioning as a release valve and resistor to our human and planetary stress, the Atmosonic Dome creates a breathing room of possibilities for inner and outer alignment with nature to form a dynamic balance within contemporary life.

Employing sustainable practices, inventive and adaptive material and structural engineering, new and existing electronic and digital technologies, the design serially scales and scans the physical limits and ephemeral dimensions of light, sound, and air. Integrating nature's changing patterns and rhythms as construction, and abstract transmissions the Atmosonic Dome serves to engender a heightened awareness of the real and the virtual realms, suspending the conscious presence and absence of time essential to the well-being of our body, mind, and environment.

As with the lighting and imaging of LightShowers, the mediated air of Atmosonic Dome's, experienced as well as heard, is reflective and illuminating. The analogue vibrations of surrounding air currents on the balloon and cone roof monitors are algorithmically processed and gently amplified in hypersonic waves to the human ear. The intermittent mingling of silence allows the participants positioning and movement to activate and diffuse the established temporal and aural zones.

Self-sustaining, the Atmosonic Dome's outer quilted, breathable membrane ( add. alt. DuPont Hypalon) surface is embedded with photovoltaic cells to convert solar energy into electric power for the interactive installation. (Solar heating and cooling feed loops may also be additional incorporated). Its inflatable structure facilitates easy assembly, transportability, and adaptability to a multitude of terrains and locales. The inflated pentagonal/hexagonal structure is anchored by an elliptical base, which additionally provides peripheral seating for participants and observers.

As with LightShowers, the Atmosonic Dome can be readily implemented, both physically and financially through collaboration. Partnering with supporting institutions and major corporations (like DuPont who we have largely and wholly underwritten LightShowers and the ICFF Booth , in addition to proabable partnerships and associations with Phillips USA, TOTO, and Lutron), manufacturers, and suppliers, we will work to secure funding and available material-in-kind donations to realize the Atmosonic Dome. In forming a multiple associations we hope to gain access to the highest-level sceintific thinkers available to achieve even greater project potential and environmental appropriateness. The potential public and private partnership as the opportune means to achieving new ideas, new forms in the spirit of science and engineering as rooted in comprehensive program of the Atmosonic Dome. The impetus for Atmosonic Dome project, a new sustainable paradigm of floating will also serve as a conceptual "Trojan Horse", whose production and realization will further instigate, encourage, and persuade corporate entities involved to further commit to environmentally sustainable production and practices in the future.

Atmosonic Dome Design Team:
Michael Morris and
Yoshiko Sato, principal-architects-in-charge
Ricardo Areias, project architect
Jorge Salgado, Christa Mohn, project associates
Laura Widdenkin-Bank, Paul Chan, assistants
Paul Ryan, Video Artist
Jeff Feddersen, Sound Artist
Severud Associates, Structural Consultanting Engineers
Plus Group. Mechanical Consutling Engineers

Strategic Partners:
Dupont
Philips USA
Lutron
SGF Associates
LED Effects
Nichia

LightShowers + ICFF Booth Reference Text:
LightShowers is a collaborative interior installation/space that draws upon explorations of light and water as sustainable and conceptual resources. It was inspired by conversations and exchanges with medical doctors and individual members of the complimentary care program at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York who were investigating biofeedback protocols in the recovery and re-training for their patients. Stimulated by the progressive nature work we were equally disappointed by the actual setting of the patient in front of a computer monitor with virtual reality gloves and thimbles in a fluorescent and sterile environment that we immediately began to imagine the possibilities for an inspirational and recuperative setting that would be appropriate for all age groups. We conceived as a holistic environment employing carefully selected and designed lighting, materials, and projected video images to produce specific psychological and physiological effects. In it visitors are invited to collectively and individually experience the physical and temporal dimensions created equally out of light and material.

The project is conceptually grounded in non-sectarian practices of meditation—where the mind and body are serially scanned for sensation and focused awareness—a space is created in which a constructed platform positions seven people on seating. Occupying a "stone" seat senses and correlates the visitors' presence by activating delicate arrays of 100 gently-pulsing blue light emitting diodes (LED's) embedded/hidden underneath the platform's surface. The seven second programmed LED interval serves to synchronize the rhythm of human breath with the luminous video projections of the flowing tidal water to promote meditative states of repose and universal equanimity, and to foster an overall ambiance of well-being.

Paul Ryan's video was compiled from a three-hour recording of flood tides at Halibut Point near Boston, Massachusetts. The video shot as a negative color field revealing an abstract, x-ray-like image increasing the visible concentration of water patterns and termed— creods. The meditative mood of the light environment is heightened by the video's slowed, reverse play.

LightShowers was constructed almost entirely from DuPont's Glacier White Corian®. The contributed material was selected for its durability, and its crisp white color and material qualities that enable light to resonate from and reflect upon its surfaces. The distinctive properties of the material possibilities are articulated in the balanced composition between two expressive forms, the seamless laminations of the monolithic seating and the geometric paneling of the platform. CNC (computer numerical controlled) cut and routed in accordance to extensive drawings LightShowers (and Booth) Corian surfaces were hand finished to translate the designs "essential human touch" in the fabrication and providing the entire piece with a remarkable sensuality.

The setting for LightShowers within the ICFF DuPont Surfaces Booth extends and incorporates the environment's luminous and aquatic themes and explores the possibilities for DuPont TM Corian® new Illumination (translucent) Series. The forms, shapes, and colors of the Booth's design were inspired by studies of water in various states–from solid ice to liquid to vapor. As with LightShowers, the Booth was by equal measures conceived as lighting and space that merges art, architecture, and digital fabrication.

After extensive light and material studies, a CNC-routed mold was created to thermoform individual sheets of stock-sized Corian® into the complex geometry of the shaped wall panels. The panels were designed to provide seating and modulate the lighting cast upon and from its surfaces. Employing flat phosphorous lighting and silica glass fiber-optics parallels the innovative material and fabrication methods and the dimensional limitation of the temporary setting.

LightShowers Presenations:
The Delaware Center for The Contemporary Arts, Wilmington, DE 2006-07
Lucas Schoormans Gallery, New York, NY 2007
Internatioanl Contemporary Furniture Fair, ICFF, New York, NY 2007
Gwangju Design Biennale, Gwangju, Korea 2007
Design Miami, Miami, Fl 2007 (pending)

LightShowers Awards:
Winner of the 2007 Editors Booth Award at ICFF, New York
Interior LightIng Award, Architectural Lighting Magazine 2007