Les nocturnes

Les Nocturnes is a collaborative projection-mapping project presented in the summer of 2025 in Lacoste, France. A small team of motion designers traveled to the village to install and develop site-specific media projected onto its historic architecture.

Working from a script written by SCAD creative writing students, we translated narrative concepts into a large-scale visual experience. Audience movement, sightlines, and interaction informed every stage of the process, alongside a deep consideration of how the visuals could integrate seamlessly with the unique surfaces and character of Lacoste’s buildings.

Acte 1: Le Jardin Se Repose

Acte 2: Le Jardin Se Reveille

Acte 3: Le Jardin Se Rejouit

Sound Design and music selection

Act 1: Jean-Pierre Mirouze, Tivoli Garden, 1971.

Act 2: Jean-Luc Ponty, Ethereal Garden, 1978.

Act 3: Stereolab, Brakhage (Instrumental), 2019.

Credits: Jean-Michel Jarre, NEON LIPS, 2022.

Research

I began the audio selection process by researching French experimental music to apply a song to each act of Les Nocturnes. Considering the progression of the acts and the associated seasons, I found a complementary song that accentuated the mood and feeling of each vignette.

Environmental sound

I used a zoom recorder to record environmental sounds around Lacoste.

Sound design

Using Ableton Live I used virtual synthesizers to create sound-effects, particularly for the magic sound of the bees.

Mixing

I then mixed sound effects, field recordings, music, and field recordings from the BBC’s library into the final piece.

Installation

Finally, speakers were installed on-site, accounting for the space’s natural acoustics and adjusting placement and EQ to ensure an auditory experience fully integrated with the exhibition environment.

Team

Jon Kelley, Viviane Tirone, Xavi Gaudette, Isabella Wood, Gracie Shoemaker, Abby, Morgan Anderson, Gryphon Coovadia
Jon Kelley
Julia Wooten