Chairwave Creates Connections at Amsterdam Light Festival

VOUW Studio's innovative Chairwave returned to the spotlight at the Amsterdam Light Festival, captivating visitors along the Nieuwe Herengracht next to the Hermitage from November 30th, 2023, to January 21st, 2024. After being paused due to the pandemic, the reintroduction of Chairwave marked a significant moment, showcasing the enhancements and innovations applied to this beloved interactive installation.

This year's theme, 'Beyond People,' prompted a deep exploration into the evolving relationship between technology and humanity, challenging artists to envision how these forces could shape a better future. Chairwave, with its redesigned features focused on fostering social connections, stood out as a beacon of the festival's thematic exploration. It demonstrated how technology, when thoughtfully applied, can enhance human interactions and contribute to a more connected and hopeful society.

Local residents expressed disappointment when the installation was dismantled, highlighting its impact on community engagement and the collective desire for more interactive public installations in the future. This sentiment underscores Chairwave’s success in fulfilling its mission of promoting social contact and inclusivity in urban environments.

The updated Chairwave includes improvements across all aspects, such as enhanced durability, increased responsiveness, and quieter operation, all while maintaining the inviting and interactive qualities that make it so unique. These enhancements made Chairwave not only a piece of art but also a symbol of technological and social progress.