MYSTICAL CODE

interactive sculpture

The "Mystical Code" refers to codes that have mystical properties, that are arcane or illegible.
The Squared Circle is an Alchemical Symbol from the 17th century, illustrating the interplay of the four elements of matter symbolising the philosopher's stone. The philosopher's stone is a legendary alchemical substance capable of turning base metals such as mercury into gold.
Alchemists were mysterious adepts exchanging messages in a coded form. They were even seen as having paranormal powers which enabled them to do all sorts of magical methods.
Magic means that you can’t see behind the curtain. Technology also hides some mysticism and magic. The use of technology seems like the act of alchemy. It is like a black box. You see what goes in and out but never what happens inside.
This collaborative project developed for the "V&A Lates: Systems and Secrets" event that took place on 26th January 2018. As "MA Interaction Design Communication" students, we had the opportunity to produce a project for the specific event that takes place on the last Friday of every month. The theme of the exhibition was "Code" and "The Mystical" is a specific aspect of this that was focused on Alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone.
You can see the report of the whole process that took place in a 3-week-period, or the pdf, but also watch the following video of the implementation and the exhibition.