Temporal Synapse

PROJECTiONE was invited to put together an art proposal for the New Wishard, which is under construction. We are amongst 27 artists that have been chosen as finalists out of 550 applicants. Wishard is looking for art that speaks to our time, is for the people, and provides benefit to all the employees and visitors of the hospital. Our proposal looks at 16 elevator lobbies throughout the hospital and ambulatory care building. Below is the narrative, and images of the models and rendering we submitted.

Wishard is currently asking for public input on each proposal, and we invite you to follow the link to provide your opinion.

Check out all of the work here: New Wishard Art Proposals

Concept:
In the body, a synapse allows electrical and chemical signals to pass between cells. The synapse permits the stream of data and information to flow through our nervous system. Temporal Synapse takes this anatomical concept and recognizes the linkage between our body and continually developing technology. As communication and networking is ever increasing, the need for temporality and reality within our surroundings becomes more relevant. This relationship is graphically rendered in a physical space that can be experienced by visitors of the New Wishard. Each elevator lobby wall is transformed into an intriguing reactive lighting element that visually connects users to the human body and their environment. Through the flow of light within this system, data about the space and its users is visually perceived. The graphic patterning of the wall is developed from cellular structures seen within the body. The gestural continuation of this pattern can be read through each floor, growing throughout the elevator lobby towers. This anatomical reference intentionally ties in with the concepts used by the interior design team for the New Wishard. Each elevator tower is developed from the same system, but form and scale of the pattern change, creating variation between each lobby. [Note: Pattern shown in the model is not accurate in scale and is for representation of the continuity between floors only.]

Site / Effect:
An elevator lobby is described through its usage as a temporarily inhabited environment. In a hospital, this common and often mundane experience of waiting can lead to adverse thoughts and emotions. In contrast, Temporal Synapse aims at providing the visitor with a pleasant distraction, that encourages interaction with the art and other visitors. It may spark a conversation between two strangers, or redirect a patient’s focus, even if temporarily. It can be both soothing and ambient, or lively and playful. Continually changing effects welcome repeated daily interaction, while also attracting new visitors. The elevator lobby becomes a source of energy and life throughout the building, redefining what it means to wait.

Material:
Temporal Synapse was developed using a parametric plug-in for a digital 3d modeling software that allows us to continually change and update the design. This provides us the flexibility to adapt to new circumstances as the project evolves. The project will be digitally developed and fabricated, creatively utilizing CNC equipment to make every part entirely custom. The shell is milled out of custom cast 3” urethane plastic sheet stock in order to obtain a very specific appearance and translucent quality. The form milled into each component exaggerates the depth of the pattern and accentuates the lighting quality of the material, while remaining within the provided 3” tolerance of the wall. These removable shell panels are applied over a pre-fabricated network of electronics, embedded in a High Density Poly Ethylene structural substrate. The substrate acts as the connection to the wall and routes all the wiring. Reaction is created using passive infrared sensors (motion detectors) that detect movement in the space, acting as the input for small microprocessors throughout the wall system that trigger specific LED clusters to engage. As the clusters illuminate, a smooth pulse of light spreads to the surrounding components, and the compounding effect traces user movements in the space. These temporary reactions continually update, creating unique experiences.

-PROJECTiONE.com

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