Nomination
Ancient cultures used stars to measure time and understand seasons, with the sky as both divine realm and scientific tool. Today, light pollution has severed this celestial connection, affecting ecosystems and human experience.
Photo: @playmodesstudio.
Photo: @playmodesstudio.
Photo: @playmodesstudio.
ASTRES is an audiovisual installation using laser light and sound to celebrate the night sky. The project employs algorithmic systems to address constantly changing star positions, with precise laser calibration techniques developed through university collaboration.
The installation creates generative constellations using mathematical clustering and graph theory for organic-looking patterns. Sonically, each star produces unique sounds based on its properties, using historical scales from diverse cultures to reinforce the sky as humanity’s shared heritage.
ASTRES can be experienced in nature (reconnecting with dark skies), urban settings (reviving stargazing despite light pollution), or indoors (as a data visualization). Each context invites contemplation of our cosmic relationship and what modern life has lost—the wonder of a universe filled with mystery.
Credits
Playmodes Studio:
Project leader, visual research and software developer: Eloi Maduell Garcia
Project leader, sound research and software developer: Santi Vilanova Angeles
Custom software architecture: Eduard Frigola
Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya:
Calibration and celestial coordinate system: Francesc Rey
EURECAT: Pan & Tilt mechanical solution
External Collaborations:
Hacking electronics: Marc Aleu
Text to speech AI system: Barcelona Supercomputing Center – projecte AINA; Col·lectivaT – Catotron
With support from: Generalitat de Catalunya, Direcció General de Cultura Digital, Catalonia, Spain
2023 Grants to the production of projects using immersive technologies
2024 Grants to the production of projects using immersive technologies
BOLIT, Centre d’Art Contemporani, Girona, Spain
Collective exhibition entitled “Growing plants in darkness,” 2022
SONAR Festival, Barcelona, Spain
Sonar+D presentation of the project
Biography
Founded in 2006 by Eloi Maduell (ES) and Santi Vilanova (ES), Playmodes Studio (INT) blends art, science, philosophy, music, and technology. Their passion manifests in light sculptures, audiovisual instruments, star projections, or data sonification. Their core mission: creating an impure, minimalist, abstract Visual Music language using homemade tools—software and hardware alike—transforming thought into solder and open source code. Over nearly two decades, their works have been exhibited in festivals and museums worldwide. They’ve received international recognition for contributions to music, art and design, with pieces treasured by institutions and collectors globally.