Connections

This post is hopefully a starting point for some conversations about our studio interaction with RPI. Its is intended as a response to our tele-conference, and with any luck gives some indication as to where my interests are.


I'll start things off with a bit clearer indication of the ideas I had going into the conference:


Basically, the ideas hinge around non-intrusive sensors - something that registers an effect without interrupting motion in any way. I think this is an interesting topic, particularly when looking at the pneumatic structure itself, as non physical measurement doesn't have any physical effects such as embedding, welding, or puncturing of the envelope in any way. At least, it doesn't require it. At a more human scale, it serves as a passive system, something that can be sensed without bumping into or pressing anything - it allows you to record [and respond!] to an occupant without actually interfering with or relying on physical contact.

The example I presented was the vivisected Infrared Laser device, which uses infrared LED and a sensor to send and receive a signal. The importance of this device is not so much the IR component, but rather the send/receive ability. I think it is the communication that is critical.

The basic manifestations of this communication in architecture appears to be rather simple and in line with basic electronics: there is either communication, or there isn't [on/off]. This is creates really basic systems, like the lights going on when someone passes a certain point for example. When you begin to group these systems, you get a much more active and interesting response since it is no longer just a single on/off state, but rather a series of them. The effect lies within the interference.

Let me explain. With a single sensor, you have one variable. With multiple sensors, not only do you have multiple on/off states, but the sequence or pattern in which they are triggered begins to tell you something. It could describe someone moving through a space [in 3D], or how an envelope is responding to different rates of inflation. Essentially, a sensor array allows you to capture motion and then respond to it.
An example I described was one derived from the RPI video of Jeff going through the tunnel: if Jeff was to first pass by a sensor array that recorded his height, how fast he was moving, etc. The sensors would then tell the structure if it needed to be inflated/deflated the structure to suit his needs. This is a very basic example, but it has some interesting ramifications - just off the top of my head here, but perhaps a more efficient pneumatic environment, one that inflated spaces that are in use and allows air pressure to be used where its needed, lessening the demand on the pumps/compressors. It could capture the events going on within the space - say, a group of people sitting down and reading independently and adjust the room dimensions to suit. The sensors can allow a space to be described by gestures of the occupants - whether conscious or not - and can inform a constantly evolving environment.

The variability of the pneumatic structure makes it a perfect candidate for such dynamic systems and I am very excited to see what opportunities arise.


Of personal interest are natural triggers - wind direction, solar, temp, sunlight/shadow, precipitation, etc etc. and then seeing how these can interact with some of the human induced triggers I mentioned earlier - developing a relationship with the interior and exterior of the building. I've done a few projects in the past that touch on this subject, but nothing with pneumatics.

I would be more than happy to show you more of my work / explain myself, and I look forward to any insight or inspiration you may have. I can be reached outside of blogger at
wrenchead01@hotmail.com

Cheers.