WATER BED LOADING_ERROR
The ‘Water bed’ is a long-term lighting project we have been developing at Loading Error.
Our product aims to use light to project real-life water ripple patterns, creating the illusion of being submerged underwater.
The waterproof box or ‘bed’, had a transparent acrylic base and a thin layer of water that allows light to pass through. Over the course of its development, there have been 3 different prototypes of which I have largely been responsible for constructing. The latest version is constructed almost entirely out of acrylic, enhancing the water effect while delivering a more premium look and feel.
The unsung heroes of this project are the ‘ripple generators’; the 3D printed motors that strike the water to create the ripple effect. To his credit, the design and creation of the ripple generators was entirely the work of another member of our team.
Wood prototype
Aluminium prototype
DIALux model
Acrylic prototype
We see huge potential for this concept and are continuing to develop the product.
On 14.05.21, we had the opportunity to host a techno event at the ‘Pride of Footscray Community Bar’. This was an exciting first opportunity to trial the waterbed at a live event.
This particular venue had quite a low ceiling height which significantly limited the reach of the water effect. We needed to use multiple PAR lights at different angles to maximise the coverage of the light. Despite this limitation, the installation was an overall success (perhaps too much so). The people at the front of the crowd were bathed in watery light, but were incidentally blocking the light from reaching the rest of the dancefloor.
We are now seeking larger venues with higher ceilings, where we can safely install our product and further realise its potential.
Remotely controlled motors agitate the surface of the water to create various ripple patterns.
We used a PAR light to project the water patterns onto the crowd.
The motor action directly controls The size and frequency of the waves.