Space – Virtually Redefined

Study of how our virtual space impacts and redefines the physical space of the city- and what potential transformative properties exist.

As the virtual world becomes a more and more inherent part of our lives, we are forced to accommodate the technologies that support it (the internet & mobile communications, in particular).  Yet we don’t know how this virtual space impacts our physical space.  This project seeks to define the virtual space using simple WiFi detectors and an online reporting mechanism to compare the virtual public and private space (constantly in flux) against the conventions (membrane, fenestration, street edge, park, seat, shading device) of the proximate physical space.  Once sample data in and around Manhattan has been found, the coincident (as well as the disparate) public space will be transformed through the resultant algorithm.  We will clearly see where the public and private of BOTH worlds (virtual, physical) should reside through computer renderings and animations.  With this information and analysis, we can see how people physically and virtually experience the city.  Any Conflux attendee that would like to report on location specific WiFi hotspot activity can do so through an online form.  The event is self-funded and can encompass a small or (large) portion of the city in its scope as a tool for evaluation in many different contextual settings (e.g., urban/rural, dense/sparse).

Step 1:

Check the area for WiFi signals (by both name and by secured —   private — and unsecured — public) with a simple WiFi detector + map these pots for the area 

Step 2: 

Compare the virtual space created by the WiFi signal(public/private) vs. physical spaces denoted by the context

Step 3:

Determine the difference in virtual and physical space, both public and private, and amend the spatial considerations accordingly so that they match up