Trace is a large-scale urban experience design project, it illuminates The Galeries (a shopping centre in Sydney CBD next to Hilton hotel and Queen Victoria Building) with a playful wall of interactive algorithmic light. 

In the last decade, a growing number of research fields, including media architecture, human-computer interaction and interaction design, began to study the integration of digital technologies and media into the built environment. This propagates the idea that technologies are entering all aspects of our daily lives. The design of technologies is thus no longer limited to the work realm and office environments.

Large 10m wide by 2.5m high, LED matrix with about half a million LED pixel dots feed on audience movement to produce a real-time artistic response manifested in dancing ripples of light. Augmented with motion tracking technologies and custom-built projection mapping system, visitors are invited to pause, crouch, pose and jump in front of the exhibition and experience the colourful visual spectacle unique to their interaction. The display will also continue to evolve naturally as its hues reflect different times of day and its configuration is designed to change over time. This progressive application of technology not only creates a dialogue between the centre and its customers that is personal and engaging; but it was designed to reinforce the most important identity of public spaces - the place of discovery and play.

 Pictures and short video clip by Steven Bai.