During the Milan Design Week this month, Super/collider and designer Patrick Stevenson-Keating have created a handmade Particle Accelerator kit to promote science through the creative industries. This innovative project aims to bridge the gap between science and art, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging to the public.
The project was commissioned by Hacked and comprises a series of organically shaped hand-blown glass bulbs with tubing attached. These glass bulbs are not just aesthetically pleasing but also serve a functional purpose. The tubing creates a vacuum inside the bulbs, enabling a stream of electrons to zoom from one side of the glass bulb to the other. This setup mimics the basic principles of a particle accelerator, albeit on a much smaller and more artistic scale.
The Science Behind the Art
During the process, the experiment creates a mesmerizing purple glow. This glow is due to the interaction of electrons with a glowing phosphorus screen at the other end of the bulb. As electrons rush through the vacuum, they collide with the phosphorus, causing it to emit light. This phenomenon is similar to what happens in large-scale particle accelerators, where particles are accelerated to high speeds and then made to collide, producing various forms of radiation and particles.
Each illuminated globe hosts a series of particle collisions, making the invisible visible and turning a complex scientific process into a captivating visual experience. This not only serves to educate but also to inspire curiosity and wonder about the underlying principles of physics.
“The Handcrafted Particle Accelerator is a site-specific commission by super/collider for Hacked – an experimental programme of live activities, events, installations, performances, and workshops curated by Beatrice Galilee. A programme of fleeting, yet arresting design events will take place at least three times a day during Milan Design Week at La Rinascente, offering visitors interactive, visceral, playful futuristic, scientific, choreographic, and informative, but always designed experiences.”
Bridging the Gap Between Disciplines
The Handmade Particle Accelerator is more than just a scientific demonstration; it is a piece of art that challenges the traditional boundaries between disciplines. By incorporating elements of design, craftsmanship, and science, the project exemplifies how interdisciplinary approaches can lead to innovative and engaging outcomes.
For instance, the hand-blown glass bulbs are not just functional but also artistic, each one unique in its shape and form. This adds an element of unpredictability and beauty to the scientific experiment, making it more relatable and less intimidating to the general public. The use of glass, a material often associated with fragility and elegance, contrasts with the robust and high-energy nature of particle physics, creating a thought-provoking juxtaposition.
Moreover, the project aligns with the goals of Hacked, an experimental program that seeks to create immersive and thought-provoking experiences. By hosting events, installations, and workshops, Hacked aims to engage the public in new and unexpected ways, fostering a deeper appreciation for both art and science.
The Handmade Particle Accelerator by Super/collider and Patrick Stevenson-Keating is a remarkable example of how science and art can come together to create something truly unique and inspiring. By making complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging, the project not only educates but also inspires curiosity and wonder. It serves as a reminder that the boundaries between disciplines are often more fluid than we think, and that innovation often happens at the intersections.
Source: Engadget : : Protein
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