Planning

We met with David today to discuss progress and next steps... through to final steps.

Prototyping to explore:

Input

Potentiometer as variable-resistor

Foil stickers and conductive paint as alternatives to metal architectural elements

Output

Multiple LEDs

Multiple Flexinol

Sound - changing frequency/volume by proximity/location

Scenarios/contexts to explore:

Gallery

We think that by using a combination of conductive paint and the existing metals in a space we could make an engaging installation. This would be well-suited to a circulation space in Avery.

Cafe

We're thinking of the situation at Hungarian Pastry Shop near Columbia where each table has its own little lamp. What if you got to your table and waved your hand at the wall to turn on the lamp for 5 minutes? You could also adjust the brightness by putting your hand closer or further. This is potentially very functional, but imagine how hilarious it would be if we put the metal sensors over the tables instead of next to them... people waving their hands about every 5 minutes. Fun.

NYC Construction Scaffolding

The urban context is very interesting for us. The temporary scaffolding that goes over sidewalks in New York when there is building construction are very interesting temporary spaces. They provide light at night, shade in the day and some shelter, so they are at times places where people linger, but much of the time uncomfortable places that people rush through. We're interested in using the various metal parts as conductive sensors. One scenario would be to attach to a few of the columns as sensors, and as people get very close to them, a sound is played. Each column would have its own pitch (although probably too sophisticated for us, you could imagine this as speech, a song...) and you could control the volume by your proximity to the column.

In the next week or two we'll be testing our prototypes in and around Columbia, so watch for us, and don't be surprised if the architecture around you starts to play with you!