Mediatecture is creating space as media. From skinning structures to engineering spaces, mediatecture is about programming the experience of a space. Experiments with transmitting and reading messages are the key to this class as we explore and apply strategies for manipulating the physical world. We study various techniques that bring to life visual experiences and dynamic messages from what are normally considered still and passive structures.
After a midterm that included a number of interesting and diverse projects the class decided to focus on a single technology platform and develop a number of different designs for it’s use. The site selected to construct the system was the automated sliding glass door that lead from the Art Center Hill Top Campus Main Building to the South Parking Lot. Below is documentation of the projects executed, click on the videos to get a feeling for the experience.
Squash by Mia Chamasmany tells the story of a Mr Bill like every-person crushed by the pressure of life, or perhaps the door, or perhaps the person who has actuated the door. Sure to cause a laugh.
Slow Connections by Rachel Thai is an evolving graphic that is slowly revealed as people pass through the threshold.
Week Seek from Ivan Cruz is a slit scan graphic composite, with a charmingly old world style, reveals the date as the doors open.
Jackpot by Aaron Komae is a concept where each person walking through would trigger a random animation and occasionally someone would win the metaphorical lottery of life.
SignWarp by David San Miguel. Features that could not be removed from the glass are instead merged with a new narrative.
Justin Sloane’s work tells the story of a cat who is “apparently” indifferent to the abuse the glass door causes to it. Sure to cause a gasp by everyone involved.
Each project utilized a standard technology platform created by the class members and programmed by Ivan Cruz. The system consisted of a projection onto a sliding glass door which was laminated with butcher paper. A camera was connected to a computer which tracked the opening and closing of the door and implemented various video effects via Processing.
These are awesome! Thanks for sharing, Oliver!