As I dive deeper into my master’s research on virtual and mixed reality (VR/MR), I’ve become fascinated by how immersive technologies can merge physical and digital worlds. Recently, I had the chance to explore this intersection firsthand at Graz’s Klanglicht Festival, a celebration of sound, light, and interactive art. More importantly, I contributed to Langnicht, a collaborative project that challenged me to rethink how we design immersive experiences—lessons I’ll carry into my work with VR/MR.
Klanglicht: Where Art Meets Immersion
Klanglicht transforms public spaces into playgrounds for sensory storytelling. As a visitor, I wandered through installations that used light and sound to create otherworldly environments. Unlike traditional media, these pieces relied on abstraction and minimalism to evoke emotions, proving that powerful narratives don’t always need screens or text. For someone studying VR/MR, this was a masterclass in using simplicity to enhance immersion.
Langnicht: Building in a Historic Space
The heart of my experience was Langnicht, a project where interdisciplinary teams (including Communication, Media, Sound, and Interaction students) created an installation in Graz’s Antoniuskirche, a protected historic church. The constraints were strict: no alterations to the building, and everything had to be self-supported.
Challenge 1: Respecting History
Setting up in a centuries-old space forced us to innovate. We couldn’t drill, glue, or modify anything—so we designed modular structures that complemented the church’s architecture. This taught me the value of adaptability, a skill crucial for MR projects where digital elements must coexist with physical environments.
Challenge 2: Storytelling with Light and Sound
Our team’s task was to create a three-minute show exploring the tension and harmony between nature and technology. With no screens or text, we relied on LED pixel rails and spatial sound. How do you convey a “solar-punk” vision of the future with blinking lights and abstract audio?
We broke the narrative into movements:
- Conflict: Harsh, discordant sounds paired with erratic light patterns.
- Harmony: Soothing tones and rhythmic pulses, mimicking natural cycles.
- Fusion: A crescendo where light and sound merged into a cohesive, hopeful rhythm.
The result was a minimalist yet evocative experience. It reminded me of VR/MR design, where developers often use subtle cues—like ambient sounds or shifting light—to guide users without overwhelming them.
Why This Matters for VR/MR
- Constraints Spark Creativity: Limited tools pushed us to focus on core emotions—a lesson for designing immersive tech, where less can often mean more.
- Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with sound designers, artists, and engineers mirrored the teamwork needed in VR/MR development.
- Respecting Physical Spaces: Just as we adapted to the church’s structure, MR projects must blend seamlessly with real-world environments.
