The installation reinterprets Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey through a fabricated 2-foot black monolith that silently senses human presence.
When someone approaches, a hidden radar sensor triggers a separate glowing light: a self-contained, rechargeable sunrise lamp. Together, they form a minimal spatial dialogue between object and observer: darkness observing light, and light awakening in response to movement.
The monolith is built from black-coated wood panels mixed with graphite and latex for a matte-metallic surface, evoking mystery and mass. Embedded inside is a motion-sensing sensor node, fully enclosed.
The light source is its luminous counterpart: an acrylic panel resting inside a metalic 'rock' landscape, either set on the ground in nature, or hung on the wall. Inside, a rechargeable Li-ion (?) power system, Xiao Seeed ESP32 C3 microcontroller, and warm LED strip which mimicks the sunrise. This would fade gradually in intensity as motion occurs, creating a perceptible breathing of light.
Hardware Parts
| Subsystem | Component (Technical Name) | Specs | Function / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor Node (inside monolith) | RCWL-0516 Microwave Radar Sensor | 5 V input, 3.3 V logic output, range 5–7 m | Detects motion through ½″ wood; outputs digital HIGH (3.3 V) when motion detected |
| Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 | 3.3 V logic, USB-C, Wi-Fi/ESP-NOW | Microcontroller that interprets motion signal and transmits wirelessly to light node | |
| Resistors / Capacitor (Noise Filter) | 10 kΩ, 100 kΩ, 0.1 µF ceramic | 100 kΩ pulls radar OUT low; 10 kΩ + 0.1 µF smooth noise | |
| 5 V USB input or 12→5 V buck | 5 V 2 A | Powers sensor and MCU | |
| Lighting Node (the orb) | Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32-C3 | Same as sensor board | Receives wireless signal and drives LED |
| WS2812 / NeoPixel RGB LED Ring | 5 V, individually addressable, 12 LEDs | Produces smooth sunrise gradient and dimming | |
| 12 V→5 V Buck Converter | 2 A output | Steps battery voltage down to 5 V for MCU and radar | |
| 3S Li-ion Pack | 11.1 V 2200 mAh, with balance protection | Rechargeable power source | |
| 6"x4" Frosted Acrylic Pane | Sealed with silicone | Diffuses light evenly; housing for LED |
Renders
Initial Board Sketch:
This was the initial board sketches as to the two communicating boards:
The logic:
Have two PCB boards, each with a Xiao Seeed ESP32-C3 that have an in-built radio communciations protocol.
This way, one board would live inside the monolith and detect motion (up to 7m, realistically 5m with other disturbancevs and within a 1/2" plywood box).
The second board would live inside the light orb 'box' and control the LEDs.
This would make two very simple circuits:
The new option for a light design, emerging from the landscape:
I really enjoyed the metal casting from week 10 and would like to utilize the technique from the landscape-material cast into the orb. This way the orb landscape can lie on the ground and also be hund on the wall in a future assembly.
It would look something like this:
In this new iterations, there is an acrylic panel at the top which diffuses the 4 orange LEDs.
The cast metal around, and at the center a 3D printed box that will hold the remaining hardware parts: the PCB and a battery pack. It should also have an access point, and will be printed from this online tutorial and downloadable files through 'thingiverse'.
Products Purchased:
I sleuthed the internet for a metalic-like polish and found myself on sub sub sub redits of cosplay lore (and thank you Harrison for sending me this video):
Mandalorian Mask
Products purchased:
1. Krylon® COLORmaxx™ Brush-On, Gloss, Black, 1 Quart
2. 1 Quart Ultra-Fine Pure Graphite Powder
Project Timeline
| Week # | Dates | Task (General) | Task (Sub-divisions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 1 | 16–22/11 | SCHEMATICS / PCB WEEK |
• Meet with Anthony (Monday) • Schematics in software (Fusion / KiCad) • Finalize all parts • Build Fusion circuit model • Generate MODS files • Mill, solder, and test PCB by Saturday |
| Week 2 | 23–29/11 | MONOLITH PREP WEEK |
• Demo wood finish (graphite + latex) • Prepare files for table saw • Acquire plywood/scraps (Chris by 11/25; cut before Thanksgiving) • Build monolith over Thanksgiving weekend • Paint and final finish |
| Week 3 | 30/11–6/12 | ORB CAST / PREP WEEK |
• Acquire plexiglass + LEDs • Print positive of orb landscape for sand mold • Aluminum casting with Jen (Sandbox N52 offcuts) • 3D print electronics box insert • Plan full assembly |
| Week 4 | 7–13/12 | BUILD WEEK |
• Assemble monolith + orb • Install electronics, wiring, battery • Test ESP-NOW communication • Refine finish and sealing |
| Extra Days | 14–15/12 | DEBUGGING + PRESENTATION |
• Debug both boards • Calibrate sensor + LED behavior • Presentation prep (media, photos, diagrams) |