Spatial Design

Background:
Reflecting back to diverse spatial design elements in its long history, many of them created a revolutionary change such as creating a brand new notion of the space itself or as morphing the space to a totally new form. Between them, the notion of theatre, where one of the four surrounding walls is simply destroyed and replaced with various interactive elements, is a perfect example of a space transformation. Taking a physical element and creating a virtual element to fulfill this gap nonetheless describes a seamless transition between physical and virtual worlds.

Wall is a structure, often conceived as something static or a boundary that limits the physical elements of our nature. Wall can simply be made out of bricks, or of plywood, or can be even more complex with different textures applied to it. These modifications were always initiated with the intention of creating an attractive wall that breaks the bored rigidness of a static object. On the other hand, Window is an “Open” element that opens a “Closed” space. It can also be described as the crossing between two different worlds, outside and inside. Similarly, it approaches the transparent boundary that exists been something real and artificial.

Abstract:
A wall and a window will be merged together to form an interactive spatial design piece. With the main emphasis on the different scenarios of various interactions happening within this space, the notion of a wall and of a window will be interactively designed to add another dimensional perception of a seamless transition between physical and virtual worlds.

Description:
The actually physical wall will be perceived as a window, and vice versa. This transition will be made as seamless as possible with the use of various elements such as camera, projector, lightings, mirrors, and different textures. In another possible layout, the window and the floor will be switched. Depending on the possibility of creating a more vivid image that can pulls audience’s attention, the main layout will be left open between these two possibilities. However, the use of projection and different lighting will definitely aim to create the transition between physical and virtual worlds. The camera will record what’s outside, and these images will be dynamically translated into a virtual 3D graphics, reflective of the actual recorded images. The main projection will happen on a window, while the wall will reflect what happens on the window through the usage of various mirrors.

User Scenario:
Like people are walking by or standing face to a wall, or starring at the window, every user present in this semi-open area will be the audience of this piece. Whether it is a quick passage or a little longer pause in front of this wall or window, the audience will perceive the interaction that creates this transparent translation between physical and virtual spaces, and interact with it.

Intent:
-Different vision of a window and a wall with respect to the notion of physical and virtual worlds
-Interaction between two physical elements: Wall and Window
-Interaction between the real and the virtual
-Audience’s realization of this seamless transition through their observation, a form of interaction

Design:
(Sketches Already Made, but not as complete)
There are two options in terms of layout. It will depend on how the projection and lighting will placed within this spatial design.

Technology:

-Available:
 Contents of projection: 2D and 3D Graphics with real-time rendering programs (OpenGL for 3D, QuickTime for Video)
 Camcorder
 Projector (if it can be borrowed from ITP)
 Different elements of analog/digital circuitry to trigger the projection and the lighting.

-Needed:
 Various Source of Lighting
 Window and Wall Design (Glass, Wood, etc.)