MEMORIAM—
AN INTERACTIVE OBJECT TO OVERCOME DISTANCES

Memoriam is an interactive installation designed to bridge physical distance in moments of grief. It provides a platform for expressing condolences, allowing participants to connect with loved ones and memories even when they are far apart.

The project addresses the challenges of mourning when social or geographic barriers prevent physical presence. It aims to provide a supportive space for collective remembrance, making it possible for friends and family to participate in the grieving process. By combining physical and digital elements, the installation also explores how technology can mediate emotional experiences and facilitate meaningful human connection.

The installation consists of two nested boxes connected to a website. When someone expresses condolences online, the setup responds: the inner box descends, revealing a video of memories associated with the deceased, while lights illuminate the installation. This interaction allows participants to witness and share in the remembrance process, creating a sense of presence and communal support despite physical separation.

The inner box moves using two linear motors, while a small projector beneath it displays the video and lights the setup. The system is controlled through Processing and Arduino, enabling real-time interaction with the website. By combining physical computing, responsive lighting, and video projection, the project transforms digital expressions of condolence into a tactile and emotionally resonant experience.