RESONANT MATTER for Yamaha

Rich & Miyu designed immersive video to accompany interactive musical instruments in Yamaha’s new three-dimensional audio system at Yokohama Symphostage.

Recently, Yamaha opened its new Symphostage building in Yokohama. The building showcases a unique blend of musical instruments and cutting-edge technology. In creating the space, the company brought on design duo Rich & Miyu to develop visuals for a new interactive installation, Resonant Matter, a five-minute automated show featuring other artists between free periods for visitor interaction.

Rather than implementing more conventional, physical responses with objects lighting up or pulsing in time with the music, the creative team aimed to redefine audio-reactivity by using the materials of objects to depict sensory changes driven by human interpretations of sounds.

Though the show runs in TouchDesigner, Rich & Miyu used Notch for its speedy iterative capabilities and real-time workflow. With Notch, they could create complex materials with reflections and refractions alongside simulations, quickly prototyping, testing, and switching between renderers depending on the required quality and features.

For instance, they could seamlessly go between any of Notch’s four renderers to do final look dev with the Path Tracer or iterate quickly with the Hybrid Renderer.

The installation has been well-received by visitors, who particularly enjoy interacting with the instruments.