Overview
The final project will take the form of a full-scale site-specific installation. The content and concept of each project is open, although each project must be site-specific
Groups of four or five will design, develop and install a site-specific installation on an off-campus building or natural site. Installations must be either interactive/reactive or data-driven. The goal of the final project is to put to use all of the techniques and concepts developed over the last semester.
Details
Through the course of a week-long design phase, groups will need to research their selected site and determine a relevant concept and form for their project. This process includes understanding the history and current usage of the site, the specific demographic that will be viewing their work and the environmental and physical constraints of the site.
Once designed, groups will have $500 to spend on materials and equipment. Fully-functioning projects must be installed on site and documented by December 18. Groups are free to install their work any time before that date.
Requirements
- Must be interactive or reactive using local sensor data OR data-driven using a historical data set or live data source
- Projects must be robust enough to last outside for at least three days.
- Installations may not harm or modify existing structures unless permission was explicitly granted by location owner.
Timeline
- November 30 : Mid-Review Blog Post and Crit
- Site/Community analysis
- Conceptual drawings
- Diagrams outlining technical architecture of project
- Proof of concept prototype (to prove that your tech/data is viable)
- December 11 – 15 : Installation on Site
- Projects must be installed on site, in coordination with the site owner
- Fully functioning, no “wizard of oz”
- December 18, Midnight : Final Documentation Due
- Blog post
- High quality, edited video with voice over or text describing project
- At least four high-resolution images of the work. Must include people viewing/interacting with work
- Final diagram of technical setup (including hardware and software)
- Final write-up of the project… how did it work? What would you do differently?
Previous Projects
Sites
We have pre-selected three possible sites for groups to design around. Groups are free to find different sites, in which case they will be required to obtain any necessary permission and will be responsible for communicating with the site owner.
3577 Bigelow Blvd
Located at a high-traffic intersection, this location once housed a multi-level auto body shop, but now houses a recording studio, art studios and a fabrication shop. Groups would have access to the roof to hang installations over the facade (which will soon be refinished).
Row House Cinema
Located in the heart of Lawrenceville. From their website: “Row House Cinema is a single screen theater in the historic Lawrenceville neighborhood of Pittsburgh. Each week we choose a new movie theme.” This site has been used twice in two previous iterations of RSMA to great success. Groups would have access to both the inside of the theater (for sensing and data gathering) and would be able to install their works on the side or rear of the building.
Arsenal Bank Building
Located across the street from Row House Cinema, the Arsenal Bank Building is a recently renovated bank that now houses three floors of apartments and was home to the recently-closed Tender Bar and Kitchen. The corner of the building faces Butler Street and sees a large amount pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Groups would be able to install their work in front of the building or on the side.