The MRIK (Mixed Reality Interactive Kinetic) Surface - by Michael DiTullio - deforms to reflect the presence of a virtual or physical person in a given transArchitectural space (in this case the courtyard of the student UC center on the Tulane University campus). This becomes visualized as a spatial surface ripple which allows direct causal communication between the physical and the virtual.

A virtual recreation of a chosen physical space is constructed in Second Life. As the individual avatar explores the space in SL, the virtual MRIK Surface deforms to reflect the presence of the avatar exploring the space. The MRIK Surface exists in both the physical world as well as the virtual and responds to the input of both. In this example, the physical surface is constructed of sensors, servo motors, and supporting wood structure while the virtual surface is constructed virtually in Second Life and programmed with code to dictate behavior. A digital MIDI program allows the physical and virtually constructed surfaces to communicate real-time to code and local sensor input. For this reason, the surface which is built in the physical location deforms to reflect the presence of a virtual avatar.

Conversely, as the individual activates the MRIK Surface with their presence in the physical, the virtual MRIK surface moves to reflect this. The result may be considered a singular transArchitectural surface (receiving and interpreting data from both the physical and the virtual) which responds to the presence of both physical and virtual visitors. The MRIK surface continually updates information between the two objects (the kinetic one in physical space and the scripted one in SL) so it acts as a single flowing entity existing between two types of space.

Identity and Anonymity

As the surface reflects the presence of both SL and RL people, it may also reflect the ‘virtual’ presence of individuals through images or personal profile information. This would eventually be displayed on the surface. For example, a SL visitor might activate a surface which would deploy the chair and table for a RL person to sit and have a discussion. This begins to break down the anonymity normally associated with virtual/physical interaction and forces the virtual user to be tied to the physical consequences of their actions.