AL-HALQA

The creation of AL HALQA KINETICS is a process to uncharted technological territory, a journey into the theory and practice of dramatic composition. Here we have documented this process in words and images.

Finally the website is online – there was a lot to be prepared. Now it is done and it’s in a form that can accompany and document the further developing process of Al Halqa Kinetics. Right here there will be regular updates on our progress, regress but never stagnation.
09 2010: Software: The Modular Process – Documentation

Sometimes it’s the small problems that lead to big results: Our small problem was, that all Fiducial devices (a marker that is used for comparison to another to find a position in a space) that are available on the market focus on relatively large markers – for us, a considerably smaller design was necessary. With this in mind Gregor started immediately and created a set that is innovative in terms of stability and resolution.
09 2010: Software: Al-Halqa Kinetics Fiducial Marker Set – Blueprint

Since we only have a limited power supply for each robot, the size of the wheels plays an enormous role in energy consumption. As the speed was irrelevant to us, smaller tires were used and we lowered the body.
08 2010: Robotics: Wheel-Diameter – Blueprint

Test after test and then more tests with infrared lighting provided negligible results. The problem was to evenly and consistently illuminate a 150sqm area. It had to be illuminated so evenly, that the camera can without error recognize the markers so that computer could transform them into coordinates. The solution was simple: Illuminate the markers themselves with ultra-low-power LEDs.
08 2010: Robotics: Luminous Markers – Blueprint

The Norwegian company projectiondesign has the reputation of creating the toughest, most innovative and most professional projectors – perfect for Al Halqa Kinetics. We are very happy to be able to work with their expertise and projectors and we look forward to further collaboration.
07 2010: Exhibition Design – Support from Projectiondesign – News

Abderahim El Maqori – called “Al-Azaliah” after the correspondent epic tale – is one of the most respected storytellers on the square. He began telling stories when he was a small boy. He learned from Al-Hussein, one of the grand masters of Morocco and his grandmother, a Berber from Ourika. During his years of learning he even went to the sulfur mines, to amuse the workers with his stories after work.
06 2010: Dramaturgy: The storytellers – Photographic Drafts

Many of the venders of traditional medicine come from the small town Tata in the south of Morocco, close to the Algerian border. In the small desert oasis the climatic conditions are perfect for medical plants, from which the “Saharaoui” produce their medicine. Their medical knowledge has been passed on for generations in their families. They travel to various places in Morocco to sell their herbs and medicines.
06 2010: Dramaturgy: The Herb Venders – Photographic Drafts

The Aissawa is a religious order, who are related to the holy Sufi Sidi Ben Aissa, whose Marabout (shrine dedicated to a monk) is in Meknès. The snake is a great importance to them. The snakes usually come from southern Morocco. To catch them, they prepare for days and follow the tracks in the sand. Sometimes it takes days until their search is successful.
06 2010: Dramaturgy: Trance and Dance – Photographic Drafts

The first step towards an algorithmic control of the objects is an algorithmic simulation of the objects. It’s still without 'collision detection' and collective consciousness, but the 3D-objects already know their limits.
06 2010: Software: Density and Proximity in the Space

Nasiri Dersi has the power to see into the future of his opponent. For a small amount of change he shares his wisdom. Accompanied by his falcon he comes to the Djemaa El Fna every sunset to assemble his Halqa.
05 2010: Dramaturgy: Magicians, Sorcerers and Fortune Tellers – Photographic Drafts

The development of the chassis kept us busy for quite a while. The coupler pocket, wheel suspension and the charging-mechanism have to be thoroughly re-designed concerning their non-stop operation.
05 2010: Robotics: Revision of the Chassis – Blueprint

Timseh – “The Crocodile” – is called the “Moroccan Bob Marley” on the square. Hidden by pretty chants he humorously insults his audience. One of his specialties is to make cigarettes disappear.
05 2010: Dramaturgy: Comedy – Photographic Drafts

The Ulad Hamad ua Mouss, the acrobats of Djemaa El Fna are mostly orphans, who are taken on journeys around Morocco by the leader of the group to shape their acrobatic skills. To gain the Baraka, the blessing for their craft, they take the compulsory trip to the burial place of their prime father Sidi Hama ua Mouss. His Baraka shall protect them from accidents...
05 2010: Dramaturgy: Fire and Acrobatics – Photographic Drafts

The first prototype is finished: the carefully chosen motors perform excellently, the suspension is surprisingly solid, only the chassis of the robots needs another revision. The French gear motors are said to be a Moroccan production, unbelievable!
04 2010: Robotics: The first Prototype – Blueprint

The Gauze, the empty casing as a metaphor for the loss of melancholic objects. How shall the movement of the objects look? Where in this floating and hauling is the transition from dignity to hysteria? Simulations help find the answers.
04 2010: Exhibition Design: The Waving of the Gauze – Simulation

How to set up a 120sqm levitating surface? Compound materials reach their limits quickly. Lacking preciseness, huge weight and the impossibility of transport quickly declared this idea as dead. The solution is: a PTFE Membrane!
03 2010: Exhibition Design: Membranous Supporting Structure – Blueprint

How will the choreography determine the objects in the room? How many objects fashion the room and how many satiate it? How fast should they move? These questions can hardly be answered with the help of static sketches. We use simulations instead.
03 2010: Robotics: Behavioural Studies – Simulation

Each of the almost 100 Projection Screens is connected to a vehicle by a special holding device. Following a choreography, the vehicle can move independently on the inserted membrane ceiling. How? This secret is definately part of the installations's magic.
01 2010: Exhibition Design: Autonomic Projection Screens and Holding Devices – Blueprint

Several Cameras that are pointed at the exhibition room provide reliable positions of all objects in the room with a custom-engineered tracking software. They transform these into algorithmically processable coordinates. On the basis of these coordinates all autonomic objects in the room can correct their positions. They are able to make way for the visitors and provide insights into the circles.
12 2009: Robotics: Camera Tracking with Point Grey and ReacTIVision – Blueprint

The design draft for the projection screens is based on traditional Moroccan garments, the Djellaba, Fokia or Djabador that can still be seen on the Djemaa El Fna today. It is the workwear of the Halaiqis.
11 2009: Exhibition Design: Projection Screens – Blueprint

The exhibition’s dynamic derives from 130 autonomously moving robots. The supporting structure for these robots and the moving projection screens, is an inserted ceiling that will be installed in the exhibition room.
10 2009: Exhibition Design: Halqa of Steel – Blueprint