The World is Square

THE WORLD IS SQUARE

by Christopher Griego

Spring 2009 Interaction Design

CHRISTOPHER GRIEGO INTERACTION DESIGN THE WORLD IS SQUARE

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VALUE PROPOSITION WHO AM I AND WHAT DO I WANT TO COMMUNICATE TO OTHERS? I have a tendency to dismiss traditional views of what is beautiful I believe our society forsakes the ability to auto-inspect one’s perception I constantly test my own limitations as an artist & designer

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STATEMENT OF PURPOSE I WANT TO DESIGN AN INSTALLATION DEMONSTRATING THAT THERE ARE MANY WAYS IN WHICH TO VIEW THE WORLD How one chooses to interpret the world is based entirely around their individualized perspective. This is formed by societal conditioning, past experiences and belief systems. Viewing the same scene in new and interesting ways can help change the way one perceives the world around them. There is no absolute percept, only a wide variety of equally satisfactory perceptions.

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FLY ON THE WALL OBSERVATION RESEARCH AT THE MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE Observing user interaction. These light-oriented pieces had the ability to educate the user about their visual spectrum...

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PROJECT DESCRIPTION DESIGN AN INTERACTIVE & EXPERIMENTAL LIGHT INSTALLATION I intend to furnish a small room with items such as couches, appliances, plants and an assortment of found objects. A partition will be implemented to separate the user from inside the space; it must also have a way for users to view inside the space. The most important component of this partition is a control panel which operates various light sources within the space. Each lever on this panel would control a specific light type within the space. These light types would enable different atmospheric effects and messages.

The light types I propose are: Ambient Black Colored Darkness Grow Fluorescent

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RESEARCH IT WAS IMPORTANT TO RECOGNISE ARTISTS WHO HAVE MASTERED THE USE OF LIGHT Having never implemented light or installation into my design work, it was appropriate to recognize artists who have successfully worked with these medias before. I created a list of eight of the most important artists: Dan Flavin, ZVES, Jennifer Steinkamp, James Turrell, Bruce Nauman, Keith Sonnier, Chryssa and Olafur Eliasson. I included a brief biography for each artist as well as several examples of their work. I tacked these to the walls above my workspace for constant reference.

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SPACE SELECTION CRITERIA MUST BE MET FOR CONSIDERATION Access to power source Ability to block out any external light sources Entrance lends itself to the construction of a partition Conveniently located near classroom High-traffic area Smaller square footage requires less furnishing

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FINAL SPACE SELECTION TEXAS BUILDING AT THE ROCKY MOUNTAIN COLLEGE OF ART + DESIGN The south wing adjacent to the lobby became the ideal space for installation. It meets all criteria and is especially convenient in location.

The small room connecting the space to the lobby creates a higher level of intimacy. Finally, the space has high ceilings. This eliminates the possibility of the user seeing light sources.

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COLORED LIGHT DANGER One low wattage lamp with red colored light bulb. Lamp would be placed behind an animalistic object in the room such as a taxidermy piece or sculpture. The light source will create a crisp contour and emit a strong red glow. The color red is believed to evoke a fight-or-flight response, raise blood pressure and make the heart beat faster (Dr. Mary Nicholson, Bloomsburg University).

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AMBIENT/GROW LIGHT ORGANICS, AMBIENCE Two grow lights placed adjacent to living plants.

Three LED lamps placed in locations creating dramatic shadows and depth.

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BLACK LIGHT HIDDEN FLUIDS Two 21 inch fluorescent tubes above space. Black light reacts with bright colors. I would like to make a statement about how fluids are more visible under a different light spectrum.

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FLUORESCENT LIGHT STERILITY Three 21 inch fluorescent tubes installed above the space. This harsh light type would entirely cover the space in a somewhat overwhelming light. The user would be able to see the objects in the room clearly.

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DARKNESS STATE OF BEING The combination of no active lights renders the space completely dark. Glow in the dark paint reacts to this effect and illuminates a message.

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MATERIALS & BUDGET MATERIALS

BUDGET

Power source Electrical wire

$40

(5) Levers for light switches

$35

Objects such as toys, decorations,

$20

Furniture: small bed, sofa, night stand, taxidermy, rug, small plants (2) 21inch black light lamps

$40

(3) 21inch fluorescent light lamps

$45

(2) 21inch white grow light lamps

$30

(3) Small LED lamps, low wattage

$60

Red flood light bulb & lamp

$15

Glow in the dark paint

$8

(2) Galleons interior house paint

$20

Black drapery

$60

Hollow core door

$40

SUB TOTAL Additional 10% TOTAL

$200

$613 $61 $675

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CONSTRAINTS COST & CONVENIENCE NO FUNDING for this project.

Grant proposal rejected by the institute for experimental studies.

Entirety of the project will be funded by the student.

Furnishing an entire room and installing full-sized lamps is too costly an option. Workaround: construct 1/12 scale model of space and furnish.

Must block out all exterior light Physical integrity of the space can not be comprised.

Door (partition) installation Fire alarms & extinguishers near space can not be compromised

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REVISED MATERIALS & BUDGET MATERIALS

BUDGET

Power source (5) Levers for light switches

$45

1/12 Scale furniture: small bed, chair, dresser, taxidermy,

$40

Black light lamp

$20

Fluorescent light lamp

$15

(2) Sets colorless string lighting

$7

Colored string lighting

$3

Glow in the dark paint

$4

White acrylic paint

$4

Black drapery

$30

Lumber for model construction

$20

Door Peep hole TOTAL

FREE $10 $198

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FINAL PRODUCT

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FLUORESCENT LIGHT SWITCH FLIP UP/DOWN The switch I anticipate to be used first by users is the flip switch.

It is the most common and nonintimidating. Flipping this switch activates the fluorescent light in the room. Even though activating this light type isn’t the most exciting concept, the space itself becomes washed in a harsh light.

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GROW LIGHT EARTH CLOCKWISE ROTATION The circular earth switch is a reference to the title of the piece (The World is Square). It reinforces the intent of the project that all forms of perspective are acceptable.The user turns the switch in a clockwise motion and it activates a small grow light in the space. Ideally, a small plant would placed on the dresser so that the user could see the internal workings of the organism.

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COLORED LIGHT CAP GUN SOUND ACTIVATED By firing this small cap gun, a light behind the taxidermy piece glows the space turns blood red. The switch itself is activated with “The Clapper” a product that reached its peak in the early nineties.

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AMBIENT LIGHT ZIPPER PULL UP/DOWN By pulling the zipper down on a denim jean cut-out, a switch is revealed. Flipping this switch activates several small lights within the space. These lights create a gentle glow and interesting shadows.

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BLACK LIGHT FAKE VAGINA PUSH SWITCH Slightly sensational, the implementation of a vagina as a light switch is perhaps the most interesting. The user must first determine if the object is capable of activating a light source. By penetrating the vagina the user can find a push switch. This activates the black light which is able to display “hidden” fluids on upholstery within the space.

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LIGHT COMBINATIONS

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