Connection Garden

Interactive Multimedia Installation |2025

TouchDesigner, Projection Mapping, Intel Realsense, DMX, Stream Diffusion

Projection-mapped greenhouse installation using the "Fast Friends" technique—a series of questions designed to inspire connection between two people. Built in CU Boulder's B2 Center.

Graduate project, CU Boulder Creative Technology Program

The installation features a projection-mapped greenhouse structure with rear projection backdrop, side projection, and DMX lighting. Inside, two chairs face a "magic book"—a projection-mapped surface with page turns detected via Intel RealSense camera.

Two participants enter and receive an icebreaker question projected onto the book. When someone answers, they turn the page to reveal the next question. As the conversation progresses, stylized plants on the backdrop "grow" to symbolize the developing connection, and DMX lighting shifts to color palettes matching each question's emotional tone. After completing the question sequence, participants trigger a celebratory animation across the full space, then exit to let new players engage.

Software was developed in TouchDesigner, integrating two projection outputs, Stream Diffusion for AI-generated plant visuals, Intel RealSense cameras for page turn detection, and DMX lighting control into a single cohesive experience. Created 3D greenhouse model and plant assets in Blender.