ISEA2006 C4F3 Proposal

System III: Public Mood: Light Temperature
(Large Weddings Space with Piano)
Every 15 minutes Internet users will be able to change the overall light temperature of the large cafe space. The overall light temperature will be based on a computational distillation of information from a news stories described and imaged by Google News. This system will utilize a dimmer controlled combination of red-blue-green lights to achieve a variety of colors. Lights will be directed primarily at the ceiling. If possible a computer station in the room will display the source and results of the current entry. The concept is based on the tradition of the "mood ring" which is composed of a material which changes color chemically based on the body temperature of the ring bearer. In this case it is a public issue which must be chosen by the Internet participant and then translated into color temperature for the destination space. A simple computational model will be chosen for the source news text and imagery which will then be translated into a color temperature based upon varying models maintained by different cultures. This system represents an offering and participatory mood encapsulating current issues of public concern.

System II: My Mood For You: Airflow Image
(Entrance Cafe Space with Red Doorway)
Every 15 minutes Internet users and visitors to the installation space will be able to upload an image which represents their current condition which will then be translated into the wind speeds of a grid of overhead fans. The image is thereby gently blown down as variated air currents upon visitors in the installation space. The technical process translates each uploaded image into a grayscale grid of approximately 8 x 11 pixels. The grayscale level of each pixel is then it translated into a 10% speed increment in the grid of fans (see example below). Uploading can be done remotely from the internet or directly through a computer station in the space. Visitors will be able to view the image which is currently being translated into overhead aircurrents. This system is meant to access the notion of image as encapsulatiing the mood or condition of the self. This condition is then offered to the public as an immersive space. It mirrors the fundamental sense and proliferation of websites dedicated to contributing a image of self to the public space of the net. In this activity the image condition is sent as a kind of message to unknown recipients.

System !: Community Space Issue: Lighting Design
(Hallway Tables Space)
Every 15 minutes, different Internet users will be able to redesign a color lighting system surrounding the tables and chairs of
the cafe hall. Wall fixtures, standing lamps and lighted room dividers purchased from IKEA will serve to divide chair/table combinations into sections providing intimacy for cafe goers. Each light will be outfitted with a lighting system capable of changing into 4-7 colors. From an Internet interactive diagram (see example below) Internet participants will be able to design a lighting arrangement which will then the immediately executed in the actual architectural space. The results will be visable through a webcam. Internet participants can create different moods or arrangements of emphasis in certain areas. This system represents
a caring gesture towards individuals and the cafe as a collective space, a space which also offers itself to the community of
the internet.

Intro:
This project proposes 3 Internet controlled atmospheric mood systems for the ISEA2006 C4F3 spaces in the San Jose museum. Each represents a variation of net-gift or net transfer of remote concern translated telematically into spacial lighting and airflow. The installations transform the directives of surveillance, home automation and open-sourced Internet applications into possibilities for network participation in architectural mood. In the process image is translated into immersive airflow, news is translated into light temperature and an individual design sensability becomes public color space. The works explore the possibilities of redirecting economies of control into caring or gift economies. Distant optical relationships merge with tangible corporeal room conditions.

Technology and Installation

The systems will be work through an interlocking system of Flash interfaces, X2Web and XTension software, and X10 home automation hardware. The system is based on commercial software and hardware which is robust and reliable. PHP programming with the host website will monitor one user at a time and a 15 minute time period for internet users which allows others to access control. Lighting from IKEA will form the basis of the one of the systems: the Rederi sconce, the Dunker floor lamp room divider, the vedium floor lamp and the Samtid floor lamp. Color changes in the lighting systems will be achieved through combination arrays of red-blue-green bulbs mixing additively. A MacIntosh computer will be needed to run each system.
The systems are intended to surround, intersperse and fill the ceiling of each of the three Museum public spaces. However, the projects are scaleable and can be simplified to accommodate cost and limited conditions. One or two Mood System room installations can be considered if all three are not equally feasible. Wiring will be installed as temporary, using methods for safety relative to each situation.

The artist will present for installation and the duration of operation and will bring at least one assistant to help with construction.