Media Architecture
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interPlay: an Energy-Generating Playground
Posted on May 2nd, 2008 by Theresa Ling.
Categories: Media Architecture.
interPlay (working title)
A Modular, Energy-Generating Play Space
What if the ACTION of play could be EDUCATIONAL in a whole new INTERACTIVE way that is RELEVANT to our modern concerns?
CONCEPT
We have developed a proposal for an energy-generating, indoor playground that educates children and parents about basic energy principles. The components of the playground harvest and store the kinetic energy of play and route it to illuminated educational interfaces. The extra energy generated is routed to power outlets that are accessible to parents and on-lookers.
PLACEMENT
We are proposing an iteration of this playground in the new jetBlue terminal at JFK. The benefits to jetBlue and its passengers may be illustrated through several benefits:
1. EDUCATION: Sustainable living is going to be an intense and necessary focus of the next generation. The concepts around large-scale issues like energy and conservation are difficult to explain. Our playground creates a very clear, linear method in which to explain some major concepts about energy. For example, the illuminated interface might only light up to a certain point when a certain amount of energy has been stored. 5 minutes of play generates a different amount of energy than 30 seconds. This allows children to learn and experiment through play.
2. SUSTAINABILITY: Children learn key concepts and passengers can sustainably power their personal devices, including cell phones, PDAs, or laptops.
3. LEADERSHIP: jetBlue is in a unique position to be an industry leader in the green movement by bringing these principles inside the airport. In keeping with their One Thing That’s Green initiative, jetBlue could pioneer steps to tackle the consumer carbon footprint problem head-on. Small actions lead to bigger ones and jetBlue can take the lead on promoting more constructive education and solutions.
4. COMMUNITY: This proposal provides yet one more reason for passengers to laud the forward-looking design and planning of the jetBlue experience. Additionally, extending the playground experience past the airport walls would further help strengthen the ties between jetBlue and its customers. This could be achieved simply by creating a complementary online experience that families can visit after their travel is finished.
5. COOPERATIVE: All travelers could benefit from a smoother experience in the airport. With this proposal in place, children benefit by expending energy in a safe, educational environment. Parents benefit by having a destination for their families. Fellow airline passengers potentially benefit by having a smoother travel experience with fewer distracted families. All passengers benefit by jetBlue promoting a thoughtful, educational dialogue around sustainability.
BEYOND THE AIRPORT
This project could potentially have a place in many different arenas, including museums, green community projects, municipal parks, and other transportation hubs.
Floor 4 1/2
Posted on April 15th, 2008 by Theresa Ling.
Categories: Media Architecture.
A small in-class project for Media Arch ended up becoming an amusing exercise in capitalizing on unusual spaces. The assignment was to design an experience for a “darkened tunnel” — no visuals, no LED displays, no projections.
Our classroom has this weird nook that is surrounded by pipes and has a little door near the ceiling that opens up to look out on the lounge. There’s a ladder leading up to it from the lounge as well as in the classroom (442 I think).
With David O. and Anaid, I worked on a small site-specific piece/proposal to turn the classroom into a changing soundscape. The idea is to stick your head in the hole and experience a different world every time. The sounds we used for the presentation ranged from jazz songs to boat sounds to car crashes. It worked out pretty well. David rendered a little image of what it might look like. Thanks David.
The Powered Playground
Posted on April 9th, 2008 by Theresa Ling.
Categories: Interactivity for All, Sustainable Energy, Media Architecture.
I’m still toying with the ideas and title behind this one with my team (Hulya, Drew, Ohad), but it’s essentially tying together some of the concepts I’ve covered in three of my classes this semester. Here it is in a nutshell:
Concept and Prototype: Generator See-Saw
(sustainable energy, working title of course)
Building on my midterm proof-of-concept, a common, well-known playground structure is used to generate energy through simple physics and mechanics. The action of the mechanism rotates a motor and subsequently generates a voltage. The voltage is stored in a capacitor through a circuit that includes a bridge rectifier to capture the generated energy on both turns of the motor. This working prototype will be recreated with a new, stronger frame, a larger DC motor with greater torque, and a larger capacitor. Indicator LEDs will provide user feedback regarding the energy created and stored. An outlet will be wired into the circuit to allow common, daily devices to charge by draining the capacitor. Through simple, fun, social, and collaborative interaction, children will be encouraged to both play and learn about sustainable energy solutions.
Larger Proposal
Extending on this simple working component, we propose developing a plan for a new “energy harvesting playground” model. This playground will be populated with devices that encourage physical activity while mechanically generating and storing energy. Potential components at this stage include swing-sets and merry-go-rounds.
Placement
(media arch)
A possible venue for this project is the new JetBlue terminal at JFK airport. Currently under development and construction, the terminal is slated as being the first airport terminal created since September 11th. Considering the forward-looking nature of this construction, we propose including an iteration of the “sustainable playground” in the terminal. For JetBlue, this is a unique opportunity to be green, encourage sustainability, and strengthen its brand. At the same time, it provides JetBlue passengers with a useful, positive play-space suitable for both children and adults.
Additional Sponsorship
(interactivity for all)
A secondary goal and/or proposal is to extend the “sustainable playground” into an educational experience. As a satellite exhibit of a local science center or museum, this project offers an ideal opportunity for off-site advertising, visibility, and sponsorship for the partner institution. Users have the added bonus of an educational experience that enlightens them on the nature of energy and a chance to consider sustainable living in daily life.
Dropping Fortunes on New York City
Posted on April 8th, 2008 by Theresa Ling.
Categories: Media Architecture.
I developed a proposal earlier this semester with my stellar teammates Daniel Liss and Ana Gutierrez. We developed a site-specific plan to release thousands of printed fortunes on the financial district. Ideally occurring over the period of a year, this project would be a celebration of the ephemeral and a meditation on the nature of life and time. Additionally, it’s a tongue-in-cheek look commentary on finance and globalization. We’ve documented the proposal on the class wiki here.