Espadaysantacruz, Interactive Chalk Cars, 2013, installation view (Photo courtesy of Espadaysantacruz)
Developed by Spanish studio Espadaysantacruz and powered by OpenFrameworks/MadMapper, Interactive Chalk Cars (2013) is an installation based on a traditional children game originally played on sidewalks. It uses digital technology (i.e. projection mapping) to update and reinvent an analog game. The installation combines computer vision algorithms and projection mapping, bringing together the real and the virtual. The game features two stages: firstly, players draw a circuit with chalk, and then use a hand made controller to drive two virtual cars on the newly designed track. As always, the Madrid-based designers have created a terrific interface:
Espadaysantacruz, Interactive Chalk Cars, 2013, wood interface, installation view (Photo courtesy of Espadaysantacruz)
The track can be erased or re-drawn at any point during the game. The system dinamically reconizes the chalk drawing. The game has no pre-established rules (number of laps, time limit and so on). The players make them up each time. Paidia meets ludus. A fascinating project.
LINK: Espadaysantacruz
Submitted by Matteo Bittanti
