A real-time installation can contain several specialised processes. One observes movement, another produces imagery, and another controls playback or lighting. Each may work well in isolation. Their connections determine how the complete experience behaves.
The integration layer gives those connections an explicit structure. It establishes what each signal means, which system owns each decision and how the installation responds when something changes or stops.
Decide who owns timing and state
An installation may combine fixed video, generated images and responsive graphics. Their relationships need to remain explicit: which process starts a sequence, which decides that it has ended and what happens if a component restarts.
A compact installation may place several roles in one application. A larger one may distribute them across engines and machines. The useful architecture follows the project’s interfaces and operating requirements.
Lexus A-Un: a defined visual layer
For Lexus A-Un at Milan Design Week 2025, Refractiv designed, animated and programmed the butterfly visuals in TouchDesigner. Aircord developed the wider biometric, projection and control framework and integrated the output within its Unity-based system.
Heartbeat and movement informed the installation’s seasonal progression across the translucent butterfly. Refractiv controlled the visual behaviour of its layer while Aircord retained responsibility for the surrounding framework. Tatsuki Ikezawa of STUDEO held creative direction.
That division made the interface between the systems part of the design. Each contributor could develop a defined part of the experience while the combined installation followed the wider show logic.
Make the operating state visible
Integration also concerns the people setting up and operating the work. Useful states may include starting, ready, active, idle, missing input and recovery. Clear status information helps locate a problem along the chain.
Calibration controls connect the software to the installed geometry. Startup and recovery procedures define the route back to normal operation. Operator controls expose the actions needed on site without requiring every internal setting to become part of daily use.
Cardo Brussels: two modes within one artwork
At Cardo Brussels, weather data influences ambient landscapes and camera portrait capture introduces a guest interaction. Refractiv coordinated the generative image system, software and controls so these modes could share the lobby wall.
Saar Zafrir Design commissioned the work and designed the hotel interior. Refractiv supplied the AV system and handled integration and commissioning; Dune SA performed physical installation. The operating structure connects a changing public image with the equipment and processes that produce it.
Establish the boundaries early
Define the inputs, outputs, timing ownership and recovery path before developing each component separately. A working integration test can then show whether the complete chain supports the intended behaviour.
For an existing system or a new integration brief, contact Refractiv.