Totem 2.0

Project Title: Totem 2.0

Condition: Built

Date: 11/2018

Totem 2.0 was a light installation project created in collaboration with the Yimsamer production team in 2018. It served as an evolved iteration of the original Totem Tom Tom structure; initially designed by Yimsamer and featured during the cheer activities for the 2016 freshman orientation at the Faculty of Architecture, Chulalongkorn University.

The redesigned 2018 version was showcased at Tiger Roar, Tiger Beer’s inaugural global event held in Seoul, South Korea, on 9 November 2018. The event gathered 16 creatives from a wide spectrum of disciplines: dance, technology, fashion, art, and culinary innovation. Representing Thailand’s production talent, Totem 2.0 stood as a central light-based sculpture, energizing the venue with dynamic luminance and offering visitors an immersive and atmospheric visual experience.

Following its debut in Seoul, the installation was transported back to Bangkok and exhibited at Warehouse 30 in Bang Rak as part of Bangkok Design Week 2019.

Totem 2.0 at the Warehouse 30

The concept behind the contemporary installation drew inspiration from the Ranat Ek; the treble gamelan of the Thai Piphat ensemble and one of the most iconic traditional Thai musical instruments. Typically serving as the melodic lead in classical performances, the Ranat Ek informed both the visual rhythm and structural composition of the design, bridging heritage with modern expression.

Ranat Eak is in the percussion family that consists of 21 wooden bars suspended by cords over a boat-shaped trough resonator and struck by two mallets.

Early form studies

The instrument produces the sound when tapping either the hard or soft sticks against the wooden bars. The distinct effect of the collisions deliver two sets of frequency results, which is suitable for separate performances.

Sound and frequency data research reference

Form generations

The design drawing illustrates a structure composed of two distinct layers of flowing curves. Each layer symbolizes a set of resonant frequencies produced by the Ranat Ek, intricately intertwined to form a single, majestically harmonized installation.

While reinterpreted through a modern lens, Totem 2.0 retained the essence of its original form, standing tall and expressive. The construction featured steel plates of varying radii, suspended from a central column and interlaced with programmable LED strips to animate the structure with light.

Prior to the exhibition, the installation was test-assembled at a warehouse in Paju to ensure precision and stability. It was then transported and reassembled on-site at Gavit Island, Seoul, where it became a luminous centerpiece of the event.

Totem 2.0 was reinstalled in Bangkok to be stationary at Warehouse 30 during the exhibition Bangkok Design Week 2019.

Credits:

Lighting by Yimsamer

Photos by Warit Meekaew

Yimsamer is a design team that mainly focuses on producing multimedia and entertainment products. The team has specifically explored and engages technology into each designs creating varieties of work including interactive installation arts, stage design, experiences design, lighting design, and visual effects. Check out their inspiring productions at https://www.yimsamer.com/