80+1: Blowing air from Beijing to Linz

This project was part of Ars Electronica’s ambitious 80+1 project. It formed part of the Linz 2009 European Capital of Culture Year, and was sponsored by Voestalpina and Linz 09.

Details about 80+1 project
80+1 website

Artist group: 8GG interactive (Fu Yu, Jia Haiqing) [China]
Tech: Shan Yang, Sun Zhongyi [China]
Assistance: Er Mao, Ding Ying [China]
Special thanks to: Gai Yunong, Wang Zhaofang, EON [China]
Topic: Food
Location: Lord of Salt Restaurant, Beijing, China

This project creates the illusion of moving scents from Beijing to Linz. In the Chinese capital, participants blow into a sensor, which will transmit to the electronic fan in Linz, thus releasing scents into the wind. The ensuing breeze will transport smells of the Chinese delicacy, “Spicy Hot Pot”. The installed scents are collected and obtained in advance from Beijing, which are all familiar smells from different foods or tea. Meanwhile, there are real time visual signals transmitting between Beijing and Linz so that people can feel as if the scent travels without boundaries.

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