Space of Impulses
An interactive installation celebrating the open internet as a space of creativity, diversity and reflection. Combining AI-generated impulses, printed poetry and mirrored principles, Space of Impulses invites visitors to engage with the values of digital freedom
| Year | 2023 |
| Client | Mozilla |
| Type | Interactive Installation |
| Role | Artist, Developer |
| Tools | Grasshopper, vvvv, Arduino |
| Team | Paul Schneider |
Project Description
“Space of Impulses” is an interactive installation celebrating the open internet as a space for creativity, diversity, and reflection. Visitors are invited to engage with AI-generated impulses, poetic texts, and mirrored principles, actively reflecting upon the values of digital freedom.
The installation comprises two interconnected elements: The Impulse Cloud symbolizes the internet as a continuous stream of information. Consisting of 1441 strips of paper, this abstract sculpture is inspired by the geographic positions of the world’s largest internet nodes. An AI continuously generates poetic texts and inspirational messages printed in real-time, designed to spark creativity among visitors. Some of these printed impulses include poems inspired by images uploaded by visitors, appearing randomly within the stream, contributing to a dynamic and personalized experience. The diversity of users and their surroundings is represented through the colors and variety of the printed texts.
The Manifesto Impulses reflect the core principles of the Mozilla Manifesto on ten mirrored surfaces. Through the reflections of the visitors and the Impulse Cloud, a connection is established between individuals and the fundamental values of a free and open internet.
“Space of Impulses” was first presented during Mozilla’s “Reclaim the Internet” event in Berlin in 2023, providing a space for reflection and creative inspiration around the theme of digital freedom.
Technical Description
The installation comprises custom-built thermal printers, each equipped with an ESP chip housed in individually 3D-printed casings. Each printer functions as an independent print server, connecting via HTTP to a central server, which feeds them AI-generated texts in real-time.
Additionally, the installation features an atmospheric soundscape that converts printed messages into audio signals, adding an immersive auditory layer to the visitor experience. These soundscapes dynamically reflect the ongoing printed content, further enhancing the spatial and interactive atmosphere of the installation.
The sculptural paper structure was designed using Rhino and Grasshopper with a custom algorithm that positions the printers according to the geographical locations of the world’s largest internet nodes, represented on an abstracted world map. This landscape-like arrangement strategically places the printers within the valleys of the paper installation.