In the Futurium Lab Berlin, an expansive kinetic structures unfolds within a multimedia environment, forming a transient choreography of light, sound, and movement. MULTIPOLAR explores the kinetic potential of atomic structures and translates the states of matter into both visual and sonic form. At its core are dodecahedral structures, connected by motorized joints and moving through the space like components of a large industrial robot. Their outer elements feature illuminated crosses containing liquid crystals in a mesomorphic state – a visually and physically fascinating condition that lies between solid and liquid. The name MULTIPOLAR refers to the dynamic referencing systems within each dodecahedron. Together, they form a complex, multipolar spatial orientation. The speculative dimension of the installation reveals how AI-driven methodologies are used to design and evaluate new materials – according to availability, feasibility, and efficiency. MULTIPOLAR leads visitors through an innovative process of possibility explosion, which culminates in a phase of selection and continually reflects the evolving state space of matter. It is not only an audiovisual exploration of physical states, but a profound engagement with the emerging potential of material science and technology. The work encourages reflection on the relationship between microscopic structures and their macroscopic implications – a metaphor for transformation and the boundless potential of matter to reshape our future interactions with the world.

A central component of the work is a kinetic sculpture suspended in the “Cave” at Futurium. With 16 freely rotating axes, approximately 150 polarization foils, and more than 4,000 individual parts, the moving dodecahedra resemble an intricate robotic system with multiple rotational points. The predefined choreography of the kinetic sculpture passes through various phases, oscillating between organic and mechanical patterns. Variations in movement speed evoke distinct perceptible states — a structure in constant motion, drifting through an almost infinite range of possibilities.

The audiovisual scenography of MULTIPOLAR merges large-scale projection, sound, and kinetic movement into a spatially immersive system. Across three distinct phases, the projection visualizes a contemporary scientific method: computer-assisted material discovery. Using AI and supercomputers, millions of molecular candidates are generated and filtered according to availability, feasibility, and potential functionality. This process unfolds visually as a transition from monochrome abstraction to structured grid systems and finally to soft chromatic shifts reminiscent of liquid crystal dynamics. The sound design mirrors this progression: synthetic pulses and echo motifs give way to granular textures and noise-based atmospheres, before resolving into organic string quartet harmonies. The result is a continuous transformation of audiovisual states, synchronized with the movement patterns of the kinetic sculpture—each element reinforcing the other in a poetic rendering of scientific logic and material potential.

The installation MULTIPOLAR was conceived, developed, and built as a collaborative project over several intense weeks at Futurium. During the setup, we transformed the space into a dynamic construction site. The parts were designed in a modular system. So each element could be disassembled and rearranged with ease. The structure took shape like a living organism, slowly growing in the room, influenced by spatial conditions and the evolving ideas of the team. Our team worked across disciplines —generative design, sound, video, engineering, and spatial design—to fine-tune each element. Every decision, from cable routing to material finish, was part of a larger conversation about perception, complexity, and resonance. The collaborative energy and trust among everyone involved was key to bringing MULTIPOLAR to life.