Impulse

CS Design

2015

An interactive installation featuring custom seesaws with aluminum extrusions, retractable handles, integrated LED lighting, and an onboard sound system.
Location
Montreal, Canada
Concept
Lateral Office
Industrial design
Generique Design
Engineering
EGP Group, Concept Paradesign
Fabrication
Robocut Studio, Jack World Inc.
Photography
Ulysse Lemerise, Chiara Isserlis

Impulse is an interactive installation designed to transform public space into a luminous and musical playground. Based on a concept developed by Lateral Office, Generique Design handled the design, fabrication, and installation of 15 interactive seesaws aimed at energizing downtown Montreal during the winter season.

Each seesaw is made of aluminum and custom-extruded translucent polycarbonate, integrating LED strips, wiring, and speakers directly into its structure. A retractable handle system also acts as a locking mechanism, allowing the seesaws to be secured when needed. The dual-point fulcrum is specially engineered to keep the seesaws horizontal when not in use. Each movement triggers changes in light intensity and random sound sequences, offering an evolving interactive experience.

The entire installation rests on a technical rubber mat, which serves simultaneously as anchoring, cable management, and floor protection. The project was recognized with a National Urban Design Award (RAIC) and an AZ Award in 2016, solidifying its success as an iconic activation of public space.

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