Abstract

There are times when we all desire a brief respite or a quick nap, but we might find ourselves unexpectedly caught in the lens of a camera or under the watchful gaze of others. While such instances can occasionally generate cherished memories, experiencing them too often can contribute to an increased sense of stress. People use headphones and sunglasses to establish personal boundaries and convey their desire for privacy. As urban environments become more crowded and the need for personal space and privacy intensifies, the use of such devices is expected to increase. This trend may lead to the development of new tools, like THE DOME, designed to help individuals find solace in familiar public spaces. Providing brief periods of solitude, enable users to recover quickly and engage more effectively in their work. It encourages us to consider how we can design public spaces and personal accessories that cater to these needs, promoting a more balanced and healthy urban lifestyle.

Research

I've always aspired to create a space that offers private retreats, and Jessica Frelinghuysen's Conversation Domes provided the initial spark for my prototype. I drew significant inspiration from Anthony Dunne's book "Speculative Everything" to progressively refine the concept, with many of the book's futuristic products influencing my work. Dunne's "Speculative Everything" introduced me to the principles of speculative design, which helped shape my complete vision for THE DOME. Additionally, the works of Team Lab inspired me to create a space where people could enjoy spending time in public areas.

Technical Details

In terms of materials for THE DOME, I chose 24-inch transparent acrylic as the primary material. In addition to that, nature ASA was used as the main material for the outer and inner 3D-printed structures, with the outer layer wrapped in a PDLC Smart Film. For the lifting device, I opted for wood and metal as the main material sources. Regarding electronics, I first employed two mono sound speakers to achieve a surround sound effect inside THE DOME. I also used a gesture sensor for user posture control, an ultrasonic sensor to detect a safe distance from the user, and a HuskyLens for computer vision to recognize the content being viewed by the user. All of these components were controlled by an Arduino Uno. For the lifting device, I utilized a 51:1 planetary gearbox high torque Nema 17 stepper motor as the driving device. Additionally, I used a 5,000-lumen projector and a Kinect V2 for visual effects. For software, I primarily relied on TouchDesigner for visual effects and MadMapper for projection mapping.