"electroStatic Architecture" - John Sommers Gallery, Albuquerque NM
28 June - 9 July 2010
(detail - antennas)
(detail - pillars)
Prototype I
"Act Out 4" - ARTS Lab, Albuquerque, NM
7 May 2010
7 May 2010
The first prototype of electroStatic Architecture appeared as a single row of four columns placed beside a doorway in the space, creating a confined walkway. Movement across the carpet successfully amplified the amount of static electricity carried by viewers. The electrostatic energy was also successfully picked up by the overhead antennas, which was then translated into light energy, dimming and brightening the pillars.
In preparing for the second iteration, the antenna design is being revisited to more effectively read and translate the static electricity into light energy. Additionally, expanding the number of pillars is under consideration to create a more immersing viewer experience.
In preparing for the second iteration, the antenna design is being revisited to more effectively read and translate the static electricity into light energy. Additionally, expanding the number of pillars is under consideration to create a more immersing viewer experience.
Installation images are below:
Concept Description
electroStatic Architecture employs the natural regenerative static electricity for interactive and responsive architecture. This project intends to show the accessibility of static electricity and one way in which this existing source of energy can be used to generate another useful and practical form of energy, as well as adding an expressive element to one’s architectural surroundings. With the amount of wasted energy in today’s world and the many ways we are trying to conserve and find alternate sources of energy, why not look to ourselves as a source? We are constantly collecting static electricity through every interaction between people and objects throughout our day. We don’t notice as it builds or when it transfers until it we feel or see it in the form of an electric shock. electroStatic Architecture utilizes the static electricity humans constantly collect and give off, translating the electrostatic energy into light energy embodied in the form of pillars reminiscent of ancient Greek architecture.
electroStatic Architecture offers an experience to any person within the space: an opportunity to become a part of the environment as if it were alive and aware of a human presence. The concept behind the interaction is based on a coexistent relationship between human and nature. The environment not only uses but also depends on the energy of humans to illuminate the area. Equally, humans depend on the response of the architecture to fully utilize and the surrounding area. electroStatic Architecture responds and encourages a relationship between human and architectural space. Upon first encountering the space a viewer may be surprised to find she is the determining factor in bringing life to the space, lighting up around her. The viewer is given a sense of power, as her presence determines when and how the environment reacts but also gives her the possibility to appreciate and observe the space and its unique qualities.
Livewires, acting as antennas, hang down from the ceiling of the hallway waiting to detect any presence of static electricity. The floor is carpeted to augment the amount of static electricity a person carries. The amplification of the static electricity allows for more electrostatic energy to be collected and used as light energy. When the hallway is empty, the pillars remain dormant and the space dark. As someone enters the hallway, the pillars immediately on either side of her illuminate as the antennas connected to the circuits within the pillars detect her electrostatic charge sending power to the bulbs within the pillars. After passing a set of pillars they return to their dormant state until another wave of static electricity is detected.
electroStatic Architecture intends to effectively use the static electricity found in our everyday environments as a power source, in this case to illuminate a pathway simply by passing through a space, creating an elegant solution to the search to alternative power sources.
electroStatic Architecture offers an experience to any person within the space: an opportunity to become a part of the environment as if it were alive and aware of a human presence. The concept behind the interaction is based on a coexistent relationship between human and nature. The environment not only uses but also depends on the energy of humans to illuminate the area. Equally, humans depend on the response of the architecture to fully utilize and the surrounding area. electroStatic Architecture responds and encourages a relationship between human and architectural space. Upon first encountering the space a viewer may be surprised to find she is the determining factor in bringing life to the space, lighting up around her. The viewer is given a sense of power, as her presence determines when and how the environment reacts but also gives her the possibility to appreciate and observe the space and its unique qualities.
Livewires, acting as antennas, hang down from the ceiling of the hallway waiting to detect any presence of static electricity. The floor is carpeted to augment the amount of static electricity a person carries. The amplification of the static electricity allows for more electrostatic energy to be collected and used as light energy. When the hallway is empty, the pillars remain dormant and the space dark. As someone enters the hallway, the pillars immediately on either side of her illuminate as the antennas connected to the circuits within the pillars detect her electrostatic charge sending power to the bulbs within the pillars. After passing a set of pillars they return to their dormant state until another wave of static electricity is detected.
electroStatic Architecture intends to effectively use the static electricity found in our everyday environments as a power source, in this case to illuminate a pathway simply by passing through a space, creating an elegant solution to the search to alternative power sources.
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