final prototype

The aesthetic of the project

The aesthetic of the project is inspired by the evolution of Berlin's club culture. In its early years, clubgoers wore comfortable and functional clothing, often choosing oversized Adidas and Puma tracksuits that allowed complete freedom of movement while dancing. As clubbing became increasingly underground and, in some contexts, illegal, black gradually became the dominant color. Wearing black offered anonymity, protection, and a strong sense of belonging within the community.

Over time, two major aesthetic influences emerged within Berlin's club scene. The first was shaped by the LGBTQ+ community, introducing elements inspired by fetish and kinky culture, where the body became a medium for identity, freedom, and self-expression. The second drew inspiration from science fiction and cyberpunk aesthetics, embracing futuristic materials, wearable technologies, and a post-human vision of the body.

The design of my project seeks to bring together these historical references into a single visual language. The wearable device is not only functional but also reflects the visual identity of Berlin's club culture, combining sportswear influences with kinky and sci-fi aesthetics. In doing so, the project pays tribute to the history, values, and cultural identity of one of the world's most influential nightlife scenes.

Technical Functioning of the Final Prototype

The prototype is a wearable device that converts the kinetic energy generated by body movement into electrical energy through the principle of electromagnetic induction.

The system consists of four independent modules positioned inside the sleeves of the garment. Each module contains a copper coil wound around a cylindrical tube, inside which a neodymium magnet moves freely. As the user dances, walks, or moves their arms, the magnet slides back and forth through the coil. This motion creates a variation in the magnetic field which, according to Faraday's Law of Electromagnetic Induction, generates an electric current within the coil.

The electricity produced by each module is transmitted through wires running along the sleeves to the back of the garment, where the electronic circuitry and energy storage system are located. Since the coils generate alternating current (AC), the output first passes through a bridge rectifier, which converts it into direct current (DC), making it suitable for storage.

The electrical energy is then stabilized and stored in a rechargeable battery, allowing it to power small electronic devices or to be used as an energy reserve. The entire system is completely passive, requiring no external power source and generating electricity solely from the natural movements of the body while dancing.

Rather than maximizing the amount of electricity produced, the prototype aims to make a normally invisible and dissipated form of energy visible and measurable. By transforming dance into a source of electrical power, the project encourages reflection on the relationship between the body, technology, energy production, and the social value of collective participation.