PENTATONIC

Pentatonic is a unique interactive musical installation, comprised of tall wooden instrumental pillars. The piece draws inspiration from the sounds of traditional Chinese string instruments such as the erhu, pentatonic guqin, and guzheng to craft an immersive experience that resonates with both the past, and present, of Xi’an. By blending the rich cultural heritage of China with the vibrancy of modern-day life, we created an installation that bridges the gap and speaks the universal language of music. 

Our design features an array of mechanical frets and strings, each tensioned on columns to recreate the timeless sounds of traditional instruments. Through innovative mechanical pluckers and retracting frets, these columns can play up to 15 notes and produce beautiful harmonies on a pentatonic scale. As participants interact with the space, bespoke light pixels respond to their movements, syncing music and visuals into a seamless rhythm. This experience invites exploration, encouraging participants to engage with their surroundings through movement and dance, creating deeply personal connections to the space.