Physicial Virtuality - "What's the weight of an avatar?"

To be presented during MuseumN8 @ science centre NEMO Amsterdam -  1 nov 2008

DESCRIPTION

A plateau carrying people is extended into the virtual reality of Second Life, an avatar inhabited world. The total weight of avatars standing on the virtual side of the plateau is calculated, and processed together with the estimated weight of the people standing on the physical side of the plateau. This leads to continuous adjustments in both the hydraulicly powered plateau and the virtual plateau, making it a balance that lets both types of visitors experience and feel the weight of a virtual reality avatar.

Image above: visualisation of the effects of a change in the amount of visitors on one side of the plateau