Elings Hall/CNSI Feature Wall


2009F		MAT200A Art & Technology Elings Hall/CNSI Feature Wall Research Project

Situation		The Elings Hall/California Nanosystems (CNSI) building at the main entrance of the campus is designed by internaitonally recognized architect Robert Venturi, known for his interest in integrating commercial visual signage into the surfaces of his buildings. The CNSI building has a 3 story high wall which has been earmarked for visualization. The initial plan to feature an electronic LED wall has been set aside due to cost and potential interference with airport traffic. Venturi conceived of the wall as a 30 second viewing experience while cars drive by. Two design elements affirm his concept of movement and viewing: The vertical lines across the building converge spatially towards the screen/wall, and the screen/wall is at a slight angle, facing the path of the street, defining it as screen, with a slight break from the rest of the building.

Project Definition		The project can represent any number of possibilities: What goes on in the building, what is an interesting phenomena relevant to the location, to the viewing experience, how can the wall express a way of thinking, a potential resource, what is an image wall, etc. Consider all manners of literal or metaphoric possibilities. The wall may also be an opportunity to ask higher level questions: What does it mean to transform a wall into something else? The project should take into consideration its site-specific location: Entrance to campus, what goes on in the building, the walls' location in relation to the airtport, to the beach, to the highway, to magnetic north, etc. The project is an occasion to explore concept development, research in visualization and technologies, and collaborative brainstorming. The project is an opportunity to explore new and old materials, from biological, to nano, to smart materials.

Research		The research should begin by becoming familiar with architect Robet Venturi's particular aesthetic which relies on text as visual elements (as in billboards and other commercial signage) Learning from Las Vegas \| Architecture as Signs & Systems. Familiarity with what occurs in the building is also critical: CNSI, MAT, Allosphere Do not hesitate to visit labs and talk with individuals in the facilities to discover what goes on. The physical facility consists of the wall, with a dedicated 4 feet space behind it, initially planned to house electrical wiring. All manners of infrastructure needs (electrical, etc.) are presumed to be accessible.

Evaluation		. Is the concept appropriate for its site-specific location? . Is the research thorough enough? . Is the proposal innovative in ideas, references, metaphors? . Is the choice of methods and materials relevant and engaging? . Are the formal, aesthetic, and perceptual aspects adequately resolved?

Schedule		Oct 01: WHO: Introduction of expertise Oct 15: WHAT: Basic Concept Definition Oct 29: HOW: Materials & Techniques Nov 12: HOW: Methods idea translation Nov 26: WHY: Content development Dec 03: Design Dec 08: PRESENTATION

Links Architectural Examples Electronics Art Art BlogSite?		CNSI Nanosystems Institute Venturi, Scott Brown & Associates Electronic Wall, Rotterdam Millenium Park, Chicago Kunsthaus, Graz King Street Wharf Electrosonic \| LED \| Pixel Panel\| Color Kinetics UrbanScreens \| Ned Kahn \| Jim Campbell \| Christian Moeller (bitwall) Cool Hunting