record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
00175
Thesis Title
Atmospheric Architecture: 'outSIDEin'
Author
Maja Petric
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
Master in Interactive Telecommunications
Year
2006
Number of Pages
38
University
New York University
Thesis Supervisor
Nancy Hechinger
Supervisor e-mail
Other Supervisor(s)
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
Interactive Art
Copyright Ownership
Maja Petric
Languages Familiar to Author
Croatian
URL where full thesis can be found
www.majapetric.com/outsidein0.html
Keywords
atmospheric architecture, interactive, nature, technology, public space, environment. light
Abstract: 200-500 words
I believe that interactive technologies can recreate an experience of the phenomenal natural world within environments detached from nature. Accordingly, I have applied these concepts in my art practice. One of the recent examples is the interactive visual art installation “outSIDEin” that I created in May 2006 for the New York City Subway. Using artificial light, it simulates a stunning natural effect of light emanating from the sky through false cracks of the ceiling in the pedestrian tunnel. Light is programmed to match the color and intensity of the daylight outside of the tunnel. When the weather outside is very sunny, the light projected inside through the cracks is bright and yellow. When the weather outside is foggy, the light is blue. The creeping of an outside space into the inside of an underground tunnel serves not only as an unexpected delight for random passers by, but also as a symbolic comment about the need to humanize our everyday space. I call this ph atmospheric architecture, it is the idea that, technology, which has in many ways detached us from our native habitat, can also be a means to enhance the physical spatial experience. As humans, we have always derived balance and sensory stimuli from nature. Although we cannot recreate nature in its fullness, we can recreate parts of it to the extent that we can benefit from it. Nature is constant. It is a universal influence that affects us all. We have expressed our appreciation for it since the beginning of mankind. Even ancient civilizations devoted themselves to incredibly complex space calculations, mathematics and architectural endeavors in order to achieve harmonious stature with the rest of the universe. This notion has been abandoned by the dynamisms of industrialization and modern technology. In this thesis I am examining in the archetypal, mythical, and spiritual dimensions of the relationship between man and nature.