Massive Interactive Tree Enchants South by Southwest Interactive

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Mar 13, 2015, 07:54 ET

AUSTIN, Texas, March 13, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Chaotic Moon Studios, a creative technology studio in Austin, TX announced a partnership with Gensler, a global architecture and design firm, to push technical innovation and urban design to create the parks of the future. The first initiative to emerge from this partnership is Orchard, a 30 ft. interactive tree that responds to visitors through ambient light and sound.

Orchard enchants crowds at South by Southwest 2015

Chaotic Moon Studios and Gensler teams assemble Orchard

In the last two decades, Austin, Texas has established its reputation as a hub for technological innovation, with resident technologists drawing inspiration from the city's natural and urban environments.

"We built Chaotic Moon in this city because we believe in its potential - and the fact that nearly every leading name in tech has built an outpost here is a testament to that," said, Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of the studio. "That's why we're partnering with global leaders like Gensler to drive the future of how technology affects our parks and our cities - starting with our hometown of Austin."

Orchard is composed of 30 structures standing three-stories tall that inflate to form an abstract shape of a tree. This form is anchored by a steel pole running up the center of the "trunk". Although the physical stature of the tree is impressive enough, Chaotic Moon wanted to take the experience further by adding touch and motion sensors as well as alluring arrays of LEDs that truly bring Orchard to life. Touch any tree to experience a harmonious kaleidoscope of light, sound, and color as the Orchard blossoms into a homage to technology and nature.

"We intend to create a popup icon that will transform any place into a destination," said Gensler's John Houser. "This is an effort to do something special for our city with other partners in our community. We partnered with Chaotic Moon because they embody their vision of a smarter, interactive future."

Orchard is an enchanting, iconic installation that brings new life to its urban environment. While the experience is inspiring, it's currently only temporary. Orchard will be on display for the duration of South by Southwest. To learn more, gensler.chaoticmoon.com or swing by Brush Square Museums to give it a poke, push or even a hug between March 15 and 16^th from 8-11pm.

Experience nature as light and sound. Take a walk through the park of the future.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150313/181695

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150313/181696

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150313/181694

SOURCE Chaotic Moon Studios