peri- 
1: a prefix meaning 'about' or 'around' (perimeter), 'enclosing' or 'surrounding' (pericardium), and 'near' (perigee, perihelion).
2: one of a large group of beautiful, fairylike beings of Persian mythology, represented as descended from fallen angels and excluded from paradise until their penance is accomplished.

PERISONIC is an inhabitable hedgehog made of light and sound, conceived in collaboration with interactive artist Mads Rune Christensen.

An exclamatory enigma, this far-flung critter seduces visitors to approach via a series of sensory effects. Once inside, participants find themselves part of a rudimentary 'game' in which they learn to influence the character's behavior through their body language and gestures, much as one might form a non-verbal relationship with a pet.

Through trial and error, visitors learn how to influence the sonic layers of the 12-track soundscape, while PERISONIC communicates its approval or disdain via the lighting effects of its parametric 'quills.'

PROJECT: Perisonic
TYPE: Installation
SCALE: 90 SF
YEAR: 2012
TEAM: Steven Christensen, Andrew Kim
COLLABORATOR: Mads Rune Christensen
TAGS: Installation, Soundscape