Reflections Unveiled
Reflections Unveiled invites visitors to engage with aspects of visible and invisible forms of surveillance, through elements such as distortion and layering depicted by using mirrors in the immersive space while uncovering how they are viewed through those surveillance systems.
The research was conducted through a literature review that explored surveillance from a historical and contemporary perspective, the relationship between bodies and screens and the role of data physicalization. Research-Creation was employed as a key research methodology for conducting data walks and iterative development of prototypes. This research resulted in exploring analogue materials and digital techniques within a physical immersive experience.
Year
2023-2024
Project Type
Thesis / MDes / OCAD University
Scope of Work
Experience Design
Data Physicalization
Tools
TouchDesigner
SonicPi
The pervasive nature of surveillance in urban spaces raises important questions about the boundaries between public spaces and an individual’s privacy. At the same time, defining private, public, or semi-public spaces has also become difficult. Many of these surveillance systems are embedded into the urban spaces extremely well and have become a part of an individual’s everyday life, as in the case of CCTV cameras and RFID machines. This thesis project explores the ways in which an immersive experience along with data physicalization techniques can be employed to convey the scale and impact of surveillance in urban spaces.
+ RESEARCH METHODS
A mixed-methods research involved literature and contextual review, research-creation methodology, quantitative and qualitative collection of data and iterative prototyping. One of the main components that has had a huge impact on this thesis has been the integration of parallel making that reflected in (and as) the research.
+ Prototype 01: Discovery Through Exploration
In the initial stage of creating prototypes, the focus was on specific goals, one of which was to use only analogue materials. The aim was to explore materials and represent aspects of surveillance systems through them. Emphasis was placed on elements like reflection, distortion, and layers of surveillance, with the materials chosen to highlight these features. The decision to avoid digital methods was intentional, as it allowed for a clearer focus on defining and portraying the key elements of surveillance.
+ Prototype 02: Space Matters
The goal of the second prototype was to incorporate the same elements from before into a smaller space. The intention was to work with an area enclosed on multiple sides, guiding visitors through the experience.
+ Prototype 03: Adding The Digital Aspect
After focusing on analog materials, the goal was to introduce a digital dimension to the experience. This prototype combined the space, materials, and digital elements, including data physicalization on a larger scale, bringing the project closer to understanding the space. The incorporation of TouchDesigner for visual projections was a key aspect, with the focus on ensuring that the materials and visuals worked seamlessly together.
+ Prototype 04: Reflections Through The Mirrors
The fourth prototype was installed in the same room as the previous one, but only half of the space was utilized, prompting a more adaptive approach to the layout. This time, new variations were explored, particularly the combination of mirrors and projections. The interaction between the projections and mirrors was intriguing, as the reflections distorted the images in an abstract way. Moving away from the grid layout, a distorted, displaced aesthetic was created, using the walls and ceilings as screens to build a more immersive experience.
+ Final Exhibition
Upon entry, visitors encounter the mirrors mounted on the wall, offering them an opportunity for self-reflection that symbolizes their visibility under surveillance. Placing the mirrors at different heights on the wall has been done specifically for two reasons: enabling visitors to easily reflect on their own image, through the lower mirrors, while moving around. Secondly, placing some of the mirrors higher up signifies the strategic placement of CCTV cameras in urban spaces hence creating a noticeable sense of observation. The deliberate placement of the mirrors on the wall in front of the entrance has been done to let visitors encounter their reflection first and then stumble upon the live feed projected on the opposite wall.
+ Prototype Development
With each prototype iteration, whether rough or small, a deeper understanding of how materials, research, and space interact was gained. This process involved creating prototypes while conducting literature reviews, helping to link the designs to their purpose. Four distinct prototypes were developed, each with a different approach and aimed at a unique outcome. Throughout this process, data was gathered, various materials and technologies were explored, their impact on the space was examined, and ultimately, all these elements were integrated into a cohesive whole.
