Instead of using text-based or other two-dimensional forms of displaying numerical weather data, James Lang created a seemingly magical thin wire mesh sculpture that represents a cloud. The mesh cloud contains eight servos controlled by an Arduino, which accepts weather data and controls the shape and form of the mesh in order to illustrate the change in the weather. James writes:
Weather has always had a unique place in our lives, because it has a multiplicity that encompasses both the concrete and the indeterminate. It is the intangible context within which we build our lives and our cities, but it is also the physical element against which we create protective shelter. Most of the time it is an invisible network that we can see but are not aware of; yet it can manifest in a spectacle or disaster, come forward and activate our senses, make us forget our rationality in delight or fear.
Watching the mesh cloud is quite mesmerising, for example:
The level of imagination, creativity and ability to complete this project is phenomenal. For those looking to replicate Point Cloud, start with one of our Arduino-compatible boards such as the Eleven and our temperature/humidity sensor. You can read more the Point Cloud project here.
