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January 18, 2005
Assignment 01 - 2 great examples of interactive media in public space
LOCAL:
what
The Santa Monica Pier Arcade
This arcade is a fantastic public space of interactivity and stimulation. When so many of our arcades have crashed and burned due to the popularity of home systems, this arcade maintains a great variety of games(digital and analog), performance spaces, and space for people-watching. A must-visit!
When:
Winter Hours:
Mon.-Thurs.:10:00 A.M. - 12:00 A.M.
Friday:10:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.
Saturday:9:00 A.M. - 2:00 A.M.
Sunday:9:00 A.M. - 12:00 A.M.
Where
Visit santamonicapier.org for directions.
FAR AWAY:
What:
REACH: New York is an "urban musical instrument" created for the 34th Street N/R subway platform to enhance and connect subway riders with their urban environment in an unusual way.
As passerby reach up and wave their hands in front of one of the eight "eyes" a beam of light will be interrupted. This activates REACH, which emits a beam of range of sounds - from melodic instruments to envirunmental "sound images". The piece is installed on both the uptown and downtown platforms of the station. Since the beams of light are designed to shine across the tracks, riders can play REACH with other passengers.
Who:
Christohper Janney, architect and fantastic interactive artists who has created a number of pieces for the public. Follow the link and check out "Urban Musical Instruments" for more examples of his work.
Bit of Background:
I contacted someone at New York's MTA Arts for Transit, the people who funded this, for more information.
The piece had a two-week trial run in 1993, before being installed under their "Temporary Art" program (since cancelled) in 1996. Due to it's popularity, the program agreed to allow the installation to be permanent as long as Janney maintained it. Ten years later, it still remains!
Posted by brad at January 18, 2005 12:09 PM
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