Proposals and Responses for Spring 2001
From: Matt
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Assignment 1
Matt Steitle
Harold Rogers
Dean Hengst
Garret Price
Marc Krueger
The Twisted Body
After a semester of collaboration, countless hours in the ACT Lab and
multiple meetings, our group achieved
everything it initially set out to. We were five people that had never met
before who came up with an idea and
successfully executed it. Now it's time to expand.
Our original goal for the project was to explore a body that seemed out of
place in this real world. With this notion in
mind we chose the contortionist as our medium. The contortionist's is a
body that operates outside of the limitations
by which the world is bound. Our idea was to make the freedoms of the
contortionist available for ordinary people to
manipulate and explore.
Now, we have decided to enhance this project by transforming it from a
human puppet show into a farsical, contortionist
gaming arena. We have two ideas for an entertainment based interactive
performance. First, a battle of the
contortionists rages through a game of contortionist twister. Two people
compete head to head to see who lasts the
longest in the game of flexibility. The second is the bone-breaking
synthesis, ensuing between the computer and its human
counterpart. Every contortion that is executed beyond the limits of the
human body raises the total of fractures that a
mortal form could withstand. Points are tallied for a possible high score.
We anticipate the possibilites of using sensory equipment, and therefore
will be researching their capabilites and costs. Hopefully,
these will sufficiently replace our original, and more constrained,
mechanical system (i.e.- rope and pully system). Our group is
unfamiliar with this technology and it will be necessary to research for
research on sensors, so if any one is familiar with this area,
it would be very helpful for your insight. Computers will play a large part of
the system, and we will be exploring the best methods
by which to have maximum interaction. Materials include but are not
limited to: a media projector, enough sensory equipment for
three people, computers, an attractive enclosure, appropriate lighting,
life-size dummy and an enthusiastic audience.
From: ana boa-ventura
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Dinner project
The Dinner Project
The dinner project is an installation piece in which sensory elements are
combined with actual physical implements in order to create a translucent
transition between the virtual and the actual. In our effort to accomplish
this, we focused on the theme of isolation by immersing the participant in
an auditory and visual experience.
The prototype consisted of a table with one place setting; the sound
consists of typical sounds of a family dinner. As the participant approaches
the table, s/he sees a circular image, on the table, of someone eating soup.
The viewer sees the video from the bowl^Òs point of view. There is a glass, a
fork and a knife on the table. As the participant touches any of these
objects, a second audio layer is introduced. This layer consists of series
of phrases expressing a sense of loss, regret, or a missed opportunity.
The prototype utilized two separate sensory channels to transmit the
participants^Ò interaction to the computer. The first channel consisted of
the perimeter of the table, while the second sensed proximity to the objects
on the table. The sensors utilized a proximity sensing technology in which
the electro magnetic fields produced by living cells triggered electrical
responses in the sensors. In turn, the sensors are interfaced to the
computer via elements that triggered either an on or off response. These
on/off responses were then interfaced with Director to trigger the desired
video and audio events.
The April installation expands on the prototype in several major ways. The
implementation of the sensory elements will be altered to include other
media. In addition, the computer interface will be enhanced to detect
variances in the sensors rather than the single state response currently
implemented. We would also like to take advantage of the additional place
settings in the installation by incorporating interactions that depend on
different combinations of participants. For example, if a participant
approaches Position A of the table, and another participant approaches
Position B there will be a sensory input (^ÓAB^Ô) that results in some
reaction by the installation. If a participant then approaches Position D,
this results in an input ^ÓABD^Ô that triggers other elements of the
installation independent of the individual elements of either Position A, B,
or D.
The resources that we will need will deal mainly with the sensory elements.
Since the current elements available only produce an on/off reaction, we are
working with the manufacturer to produce a new type of sensory element that
will output variable readings. For a detailed description of our goal for
the development and completion of our project this semester, please refer to
our project site at: http://www.actlab.us/~dinner
The Dinner Project group consists of:
Ana Boa-Ventura
Kathy Vajda
Wei Yeh
From: Annaka Johnson
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Virtual Reality Goals
Annaka Vonn Johnson
Virtual Reality
My goals for this Virtual Reality class are pretty extensive. They
include, but are not limited to: getting a better understanding of all
the ways to produce Virtual Reality, to learn all the terminology relating
to Virtual Reality, to explore ways of producing cost efficient,
commercial quality Virtual Reality. I would also like to see some examples
of current Virtual Reality worlds that are out on the market today. I want
to learn and experience all the different types of gear used to navigate
through virtual worlds and examine how they work. One day, perhaps not
this semester, I would like to produce a piece that incorporates the use
of VR gear. Iâ^À^Ùd also like to be introduced to some of the ways that
this technology might be changing in the future.
Another goal of mine is to produce quality virtual spaces and to network
with fellow students to insure a well rounded, well thought out product.
In addition, I'd very much like to become less intimidated by Virtual
Reality and the technology that creates it. Basically, I'd like to learn
everything there is to know about the making and utilization of virtual
realities. Â While I investigate the above, I'd also like to participate
in the development of the Dinner project. I am familiar with Flash,
Director, TrueSpace, 3d Studio, Illustrator, After Effects, Premiere,
FireWorks and others. I am asking for your consideration in becoming a
member of team: Dinner Project. I am eager to begin the journey.
Annaka Vonn Johnson Shoelace19@aol.com
From: Robert Linton
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Virtual Voodoo Doll
Voodoo Doll
The Virtual Voodoo Doll project intends treat our misperceptions of
"Voodoo Dolls" with humor. It does not relate to or intend to disparige
the Vodun spiritual practice.
The project consists of two elements: hardware (the doll) and software
(the interface).
Last semseter a prototype doll was created from a Mac ADB keyboard
circuit and an interface developed in Flash using action script.
The finished project will consist of the Doll, and a web based interface
which will allow users to select celebrities, politicians, etc. and and
see animated sequences of the "curses" users decide to place on them. A
specific "curse" sequence will play depending which part of the doll's
body the user selects(by sticking it).
For example, a user could select to place a curse on Calista Flockhart
(the actress that plays Ally McBeal) and then stick the doll in the
stomach to see Calista become sick from food poisoning (ironic?). Then
the user could put another curse on her by stick the eye of the doll,
and something terrible would happen to her eye, etc.
The project is being developed as an installation, but will become an
ongoing source of amusement for bored people surfing the web. The
"victims" list will grow by adding public figures that users suggest,
and by adding customized "curse" sequences for users who submit digital
photos of someone they despise, (ex. their boss).
The project has several goals to accomplish this semester:
1. Develop a USB (Universal Serial Bus) compatible Doll - We are
currently searching for Electronic Engineering majors who would be
willing to collaborate.
2. Develop a animated sequences for 10-15 characters
3. Develop entire website from which animation would launch based on
scripting (probably Lingo) written for the doll
The website for last semester explains the prototype and our plans:
Click Here
You will need Flash 5 to view it. Flash 4 will only show some of the
text, images, but no sound.
From: Jackiepassmore@aol.com
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Installation
Jacqueline Passmore
Maciek Sokalski
Eyes for Ears
Our project, true to its tentative title, is meant
toprovide/explore the auditory through visual and tactual means; to engage
aparticipant audience in two separate experiments that will make evident
the tangible connections that exist between sound and the physical world.
For many,seeing is believing. Recognizing this tendency in ourselves, we
are hoping to break down, at least in part, what could then be considered
the ephemeral nature of the world of noise--sound for visual thinkers, the
examination of sound through sight and touch. We have designed two
separate installationset-ups for the piece:
In one darkened room/space, participants will be given flashlights and
invited to interact with an optical theremin, which produces sound when
exposed to/denied light. Thus the light produces the noise, building a
soundtrack that allows the participant access to sight, the creation of
noise being the result of an effort to see, the creation of sight as the
result of making noise.
In the other space, chairs will line a room, a theatre-like setting, where
very loud noises are being played (extremely heavy bass, to the point of
slight discomfort, but droning and rhythmic, like a heartbeat.)
Participants are invited to seat themselves in front of a video
projection. Seismographs monitor the vibrations that the chairs absorb,
both before and after people sit in them,and the results are projected via
live video feed/video projector onto the screen. Thus, participants view,
in essence, the presence of sound vibrations/energy that their bodies are
absorbing.
Over the course of last semester, a great deal of conceptualization and
research wasimplemented in efforts to bring the project to fruition, yet
the majority of production remains to be tackled. We will need a variety
of materials, in particular schematic and parts for theconstruction of the
theremin, specific seismographs, video camera andprojector, audio
equipment for Seismograph piece and assorted othercomponents. Our goal for
this semesteris hefty but not out of reach; we must continue to research
basic electronicsand construct the theremin, continue researching audio
equipment necessary toproduce sound appropriate for the seismograph piece,
and as well identify and secure ideal seismographs, as well as consider
possible appropriate forms ofdocumentation (i.e., videotaping, etc.) of
the actual interactions ofparticipant/work to further represent the piece
in an audio/visual format onceremoved from the actual experience. We hope
to gain deeper understandings of the construction and thus the
deconstruction of noise, of sound as energy, an entity present in, even,
inaudible capacities. Sound is everywhere, contained in objects, absorbed
and produced by the human body, and thus, perceptible on a multiplicity of
levels, infinitely sensible. As well, we will be forcing ourselves into a
crash course in physics, electronics, geology, the nature of physical
sensation and the ensuing reaction of the human body to exposure to these
very basic physical realities, hopefully impressing on ourselves and
others an accentuated awareness of the manifestions of physical energy and
the correlations between the senses.
Any comments, questions, and suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you.
From: danielle mcmillen
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: assignment one
Stars
This semester, I hope to collaborate with other students to learn the
software programs and to physically achieve an interactive element in
space. I hope to talk to more groups so I can add new ideas, and see if
they would want me in their group, but it would help to look at the other
groups web-based designs first.
In class today I was talking to a few other new students who were
willing to collaborate to make an interactive universe - in a tent that
is. By touching the stars, images and sound would appear so the
star-gazer would be interacting physically with the stars, and would learn
more about our universe through the computer. To achieve this, we would
all have to work hard to learn the software programs we would be using,
and make a website for our project, and to produce the physical
interactive tent. The final project would take up the physical space of a
tent, and a computer would be necessary to interact with the stars.
After reviewing other students proposals I hope to either find a
willing group to collaborate with this semester, or produce an interactive
universe with a new group. Overall, I hope to achieve knowledge about
software and how I can manipulate it for technological projects.
-danielle mcmillen-
From: alexander daboub
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: space
Experimental Composing
Alex Daboub
Although I am not very familiar with what actual technologies we have
to work in this class, I do have some preliminary and vague notions of
interest for future work. Overall, I would like this semester to involve
the learning of computer software and other technology as a result of
studying conceptual notions of sound, space, energy, music, mind, and
reality. I have been inspired by the ideas of experimental composers such
as LaMonte Young, John Cage, David Tudor etc. However,I haven't fully
explored their ideas and would like to incorpoarte them into my studies
for this class. In particular, I am curious about the difference betweemn
noise and music. Also, the sounds that are all around us and can be
really pleasant to hear iff augmented or distorted. I have an
underdeveloped idea of having an installation that will create random or
not random sound that may or may not be considered music. Possibly there
could be a computer with music recording capabilities in which one person
records sound for a given length. Then another person(either hears the
first part or doesn't) and records another part. Possibly with another
type of instrument or sound. Eventually the composition of several
peoples collaborations could be listened to as a finished piece. I would
also like to record and amplify either the participants themselves or the
computer sounds that are always present. The space would be used to
create sound and also contribute sound on its own. Iwould like it to
eventually somehow combine both of these aspects into some whole which
could be infinite.
From: Samantha Harte
Cc: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Teamrocket's animation segment for the main project.
Theseus And the Minataur:
The Animation aspect of the Teamrocket video game project.
The Fall semester was very nerve racking for me, I didn't really
accomplish what I originally planned to do. My director originally wanted
me to attend this class to learn Flash Animation and possibly photoshop
and illustrator to help me be more of an asset to his animation company
and maybe for other studios when I move on from this job because Flash is
really being used a lot in Animation. Unfortunately, the amount that I
learned about flash isn't enough for me to be of any use at other
animation studios. Lifeforms and poser are also not used in the animation
industry.
So my main goal is to try and learn more about Flash and possibly about
Illustrator and Photoshop and work on my perspective and drawing skills so
that I can become a better animator. I have talked with a few other
animators who are willing to take time from their jobs to teach me some of
the shortcuts of flash and that will help me out a lot and as soon as I
learn more about flash I will be able to put my animation skills to good
use for teamrocket's project. I intend to learn about tweening,
perspective, timing, flippings, on models, character volume and mass
differences in animation and other essential elements for animation to
make the group project a very well animated game. I intend to make this
game be the best animated game that I possibly can so that it can make my
director proud and have him believe that his money that he has spent to
pay for this class has not gone to waste. I am his investment and I
intend to put his money to good use.
Questions and concerns: I was concerned about animation programs...will
we be learning some this spring semester? When I talked with Professor
Sharir before I started this class in August he mentioned programs like 3D
studio Max, 3D raydream, and USAnimation to me and I was curious if he
still intended to teach us a about these programs because these programs
are still being used in some game animation companies and would help out a
lot if we could learn them. Another concern is with a conversation that I
had last semester that I've been pondering over this whole winter break.
Professor Sharir and I talked a little about my animation and how it was
really nice but how he also wanted to see if I could create something that
could make the animation change with use of either light, the audience's
movement, or sound....and i can't even begin to think about how I'd do
that, I've asked a bunch of other animators at a couple different
companies to help me out with this but they just gave me weird looks and
said that I'd need to learn about electronics and when I talked to a
couple engineers they offered to build me a machine that could do that for
a price but I don't want to go that route because I don't feel that it
would teach me what I need to know to help out with the group project.
Could someone put my mind at ease about that? I dunno anything about
machines except email. (sheepish grin)
My main resources will be my animator peers who have agreed to help me out
with my animation skills, they will help teach me perspective, about
movement, about how things change shape in space, and to make things flow
smoothly. I will probably be investigating other companies' techniques of
animation to aid in our group project.
Mostly I will be using regular animator tools: Paper, lots of pencils,
erasers, eraser shields, etc. But as soon as I learn more about the
different programs I will try to incorporate the new information with the
sketches to try and make the animation convey the story in the way our
group feels necessary. All of this is just a small part in the main group
project and will fit together to make the piece complete.
The final form of this part of the project will be incorporated into the
whole to become a game. The animation will convey the characters "on
model" throughout the game and will give the audience a subject to relate
to. The audience will be seeing how the characters move and will be able
to manipulate the movements so that they can get the main character in and
out of the maze through the use of the "game engine" which the Teamrocket
leader will create. The animation is just a small part of this project
but once it is fitted into the whole it will probably be a pretty good
game.
>Topics in Convergent Media: Space
>Virtual Reality, Cyberspace and the Arts
>Assignment One: Reflections
>
>The Team
>Homer Sanchez
>Samantha Harte
>Nestor Hernandez
>Keduse Agonafer
>Jason Mollner
>Michael Agustin
>Our Accomplishments
>We feel that we did a good job last semester, all things considering. The
>fact that we were able to organize ourselves so early in the semester as
>well as our obvious interest in the project helped pull us through. After
>all, we don't consider ourselves as a professional game studio, but then
>again, we shouldn't be, because we are students and we have other
>obligations. Thus we think we balanced everything out very well and
>achieved everything that we were supposed to achieve at or above our
>expectations.
>
>We also believe that our diverse backgrounds and common interests helped us
>go far. Many of us had similar career goals and interests, yet we all
>chose
>different paths to achieve those goals. Our diversity allowed us to bring
>together different experiences for working on this type of project.
>Through
>meetings we were able to quickly identify things we needed to do in order
>to
>better communicate our ideas such as the Design Document, our Mailing List,
>and our Project Site.
>
>We feel that we are well under way with the conceptual portion of our
>project. Though we had originally wished to create some content that we
>could actually implement into our game, we feel we are still on track. Our
>weekly meetings were a constant help in keeping everyone informed of our
>progress and keeping up to date on our objectives. Our website turned our
>great, which makes our primary objective for the fall a successful one.
>
>Our Goals
>Are obviously to finish our project. That includes getting all of the
>coding, artwork, renders, music, and display done. We may have to cut down
>on some of our original ideas; however, due to time constraints. For this
>to
>be accomplished, we will need to work out our storyboard and document every
>idea we feel would be in the project.
>
>We would like to manifest everything that we did last semester in a real,
>working game. While we should follow the KISS philosophy (Keep It Simple
>Stupid) due to the short amount of time that we have, we should not
>sacrifice the integrity of out project. We should concentrate on our core
>elements of this project. Of which the final goal is to have a full
>working
>game that IS FUN TO PLAY. All of the extra things like the temple, the
>control panel, etc. are all extra, and while we should do them and they are
>important, they are not a core part of what we are making, and so they need
>to come second.
>
>Our Concerns
>Time. We really need to get moving on this, yet at the same time we don't
>have all that much time. We have deliberated upon spending more time on
>post-production (i.e. the temple construction, eye-candy, and the web
>site).
>We could probably finish the temple architecture in a week at the most.
>Moreover, we would like to devote more time to the main project to add
>extra
>features or just in case we do need more time.
>
>We feel we have all of the necessary areas covered in terms of skill set.
>However, a few of us are concerned because of our specializations in our
>particular areas. If one person finds an obstruction, in the sense of
>creative flow, we may not have others that could help out.
>
>The Resources
>We will be taking conceptual ideas from projects similar to ours as
>knowledge based resources. These could answer a few of our questions such
>as "How did this team get around this problem?" or "Why did they choose to
>go this route rather than this one?" Common places to find these resource
>would be the library and online. A few of us have played a few games from
>which we could also draw from.
>
>The Material & Technological Components
>For the final project we will need a computer, at least two monitors,
>speakers, wood, nails and other building materials. Other optional
>equipment
>would be lights, smoke machine, and other aesthetic equipment.
>
>The Description
> Architectural Elements
> All that will be visible from the outside is a Greek temple-like
>structure, along with a monitor on display, for passer-bys to observe. We
>will have the playable model in an enclosed space within the temple and
>outfit the proximity of the space with speakers; so that the audio portion
>becomes part of the experience. We hope to have a proprietary input device
>as our interface, which will be in front of the monitor. And possibly a
>Foghorn, or siren and lights, which will go off if the player succeeds in
>defeating the Minotaur.
>
> Interactive Elements
> The project itself will be as the website explained, an odyssey through
>the Mycenean labyrinth of myth, home of the dreaded Minotaur. The
>participant will have to traverse the labyrinth to find its secrets to get
>out, however, the end will be a confrontation with the Minotaur. The
>mechanics of the project will be mostly the character moving about the
>static background, solving various puzzles in order to find a means of
>escape. Most of the interactive elements of our project is described in
>our
>design document online at: http://www.actlab.us/~teamrocket or
>http://labyrinth.evostate.com.
>
> Rated E
>
>On Another Note^Å
>One of our new members, Keduse has also put in his two cents for this
>class:
>
>^ÓFor the upcoming semester, I have several goals I wish to accomplish.
>First
>and foremost I would like to further develop myself in Internet and media
>practices. In this the information age, convergent media can be both the
>head and heart of the world as it leads into a new era and we as
>simultaneously students and developers of the new world must make the most
>of it.
>
>Secondly, I would like to accomplish a new understanding of the idea of
>"Space" with regards to convergent media and how to manipulate that concept
>for the development of future media. In our early forms of "virtual
>reality" and "cyberspace" that exist today, the world of convergent media
>can be compared to a small egg with a developing chick inside. I feel it
>is
>our duty to break the world's shell and open our "cyberspace" into its full
>potential. Computers must no longer be the only tools we use for access
>into this other plane. Homes, vehicles, active wear, all things must
>eventually play their part in advancing the human race into a higher level
>of consciousness. If convergent media is the heart of the new world then
>"space" is most definitely the imagination.
>
>Last but not least, I would like to learn and become acquainted with all
>the
>different software and hardware that the university has given us access to.
>Not only to use it but also to learn how to develop it further for the
>future.^Ô
>
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 11:32:06 -0600 (CST)
From: Kaz Raad
To: Space Community
Anger, No More Anger - Think about the Children !
Last semester's inspiration, which fed my motivation with sporadic and
fragmented ambitious moments was based around the theme of anger... As the
semester was unraveling and the panic button yearned for by more and more
of us in the class, my anger had faded out by at least two thirds of its
initial state. Yet, interested and still somewhat bitter, cynical and
sarcastic, I pursued into building this Anger Project, called Whipped
Anger.
The Anger project was an installation piece in which the individual was
plunged in a space of frustration, anger, and discomfort. Physicality of
constrained spaces, gloomy colors, freaky sounds montages and music,
darkness and disgusting images and sensations, all the elements of
different sensory realms were meant to induce anger and frustration and
discomfort. The mix of all physical senses under the constant oppression
offered by the installation induced eventually a profound disturbing
feeling on a moral level as well. I recall a few fierce commentaries. The
passage from a physical discomfort to a mental discomfort was often
attained, and glad fully so. If I have managed to turn some of the
physical discomforts into a moral disturbance, a nightmare, a dream, a
memory, or even simply an afterthought, then I consider having succeeded
at least partially in my creation.
The prototype consisted of precarious installation made with a little
budget. The materials I collected did not cost too much, and I used many
subterfuges to obtain most of this stuff (it's called survival of the
fittest). Building a massive structure out of these feeble elements was
quite an all the while tedious and enlightening experience. The weakness
of the primary materials and the lack of stability engendered by that,
along with merely burgeoning construction work skills led my angry mind to
a new conclusion. To compensate this inadequacy of premium supplies, I
judged necessary to overemphasize the amount of pictures and other
artifacts present within the installation. My eternal attention to detail
made me want to go astronomical in the number of thingies, doohickeys,
doodads, thingamabobs and gizmos. And yes, Clutter became overwhelming in
my opinion. Clutter was distracting.
As the time went by and as my project was taking form, along with more
recent experiences, I realized the unnecessary aspect of these artifacts
and cluttering objects. The review triggered these feelings in me, and
over the break I encountered several spaces that really affected my moods.
Some constrained Hallways make me feel even more angry than my project,
yet they are bare, simple and uncluttered. That was an important
discovery. I have decided to get closer to Architecture than other
discipline involved in this project. Sound is always my favorite, and I
will combine Sound and Space. But that's all.
From: Trey Bennett
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Dreamachine 2.0
In this second semester of â^À^ÜConvergent Media: SpaceÝ I mainly
plan to seek out and eliminate the culprit who stole our Dreamachine.
The Dreamachine was the culmination of a semester of my group, the
Spacemunkeez, precious time. (There are many 12-step programs that deal
with Dreamachine addiction.) Should the Dreamachine remain vanished other
arrangements must be made.
To continue our original plans another Dreamachine, Dreamachine 2.0, could
be created. We could then arrange ways to demonstrate the Dreamachine
2.0â^À^Ùs influence on viewers. This could be done my displaying the
participantsâ^À^Ù brainwaves visually using an EEG. We could then use the
EEG to control a midi synth, thus validating Dreamachine 2.0â^À^Ùs effects
aurally.
At this time please refer to
http://www.actlab.us/~spacemunkeez/.
Or, my talents and concepts could be utilized in another project.
Iâ^À^Ùm a SWM Sagittarius who likes long walks on the beach and collects
r&b accapellas on twelve-inch vinyl. Iâ^À^Ùm seeking a semester long
relationship with like-minded individuals or group affairs.
Go 'Horns!
________________________________________________________________________________
Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com
From jjmollner@hotmail.com Sun Mar 18 11:56:36 2001
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 07:40:10 -0000
From: Jason Mollner
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: TEAM ROCKET PROPOSAL
I am not sure if this is the correct list to post our proposals to because I
have yet to suscribe to any list for F A 360. If this is the wrong list
will someone please tell me before I have to turn this in late...
I have joined Team Rocket as 2nd programmer and sound engineer. As sound
engineer, I will be providing sound effects and, if I have time, I will be
composing the music for the project. If I do not have time to compose the
music, I believe my team has already chosen a few songs by other musicians
to use. As programmer, I will be assisting Mike in creating a 2d engine
with openGL.
I am hoping to create a totally immersive environment for the user with the
sound in our project. I am going to put a speaker in each of the top 4
corners of the room that we are building for our project in order to create
3-dimensional sound that will surround the user. The 3d sound card I have
right now supports A3D, if anyone has experience with A3D, I would love to
spend an afternoon learning how to best take advantage of A3D sound.
If I have time to compose for this project, I want to take some live improv
performances that I have recorded myself in and play with them on the
computer to give them a more mythological feel so that they will fit with
the game. Again, if time permits, I may even give these compositions a 3d
feel as well because I have always been interested in working with more than
the standard two channels of stereo music.
Since Mike is the lead programmer for TeamRocket, I am simply going to
follow his lead and try to learn as much as I can along the way. I expect
that most of my work will be doing what Mike doesn't have time to work on
himself.
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From helmutt@mail.utexas.edu Sun Mar 18 11:56:36 2001
Date: Sat, 20 Jan 2001 15:29:02 -0600
From: Adam Armentor
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Adam Armentor, Assignment 1
Dream Space and the Bending Universe
Thinking upon the lines of this class's focus has been harder than
expected. This may be because I get a bit lost in the technology, and
ny ideas wander. But after thinking explicitly about the concepts of
space and relationships between bodies and objects, I've decided to
focus on creating an environmental installation aimed at assaulting
physiological, and some psychological, equilibrium.
The space will be sultry and inviting using dream imagery and subtle
design. The intent is to create a surreal, dream-like environment, and
while the spectator innocently appreciates the campy installation, s/he
is barraged with various apparati designed to affect or alter
consciousness and the feeling of peace with one's environment. These
apparati will be in the forms of binaural tones and strobe lighting, and
may further include humidity, odor/aroma, location-sensitive switches on
various lighting or sound effects, set movement, etc. I expect to
induce feelings of discomfort accompanied by nausea with limited
vomiting.
To expand a bit on the topic of set movement, I wanted a fixed floor
surface, but at a given cue, I wanted the walls around the space to
move. The spectator/subject's brain should be taken off guard and thus
not able to compute the physical feelings triggered by the visual effect
of the walls moving in relation to the body's own balncing mechanisms.
There should also be a limited amount of actual enclosue so that the
spectator/subject feels mildly threatened or violated. These things
will require the most work in order to pull off effectively.
Otherwise, I'll need some research on dream imagery and architectural
design, some electronics configuration, and a grant for materials.
From a_bendon@hotmail.com Sun Mar 18 11:56:36 2001
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2001 20:47:18
From: Amanda Bendon
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: For your spatial consideration#1
Name:Amanda Bendon
Status: Free Agent
A.K.A. spacemunkee
Short Description of topics covered:
1. reality and virtuality
:sound
:vision
2. cognitive psychology/ mystery of consciousness
-substances
:antidepressents
:depressents
:illegal
3. technology
Personal Rants:
The beginning point for me this semester is in learning how to utilize
all of the wonderous technologies all around me. I am taking this time to
set aside my rebellious attitude toward technology and learn how to do
something! to CREATE! I want to begin with by learning more about Flash
perhaps, action script and learning Dreamweaver. In the last 10 hrs. I
have come into a laptop and rrunner so, I guess as they say the sky is
the limit...pretty cheesy...
I'm planning to start off at the the very beginning and work my way up to
an intermediete level.
Interested? Lets motivate eachother in times of frustration!!
Detailed project Idea:
Using a Dreammachine is not the only way of showing how people have tried
to mimic an altered state of consciousness
Dreammachine 2.001---- souped up, what would it have become if
socially accepted and mass produced up to this point from the time of its
conception...
Adding sound, sppeed, graphics...etc. Perhaps themed Dreammachines
- Possible themes (create your dream...hypnotism)
: personal
: self-help
: euphoria
Lets put this into perspective:
2001: The time we live in, a new president, a .com depression, let
downs, and personal communications obsessions.
goal:
Find out how to utilize the new dreammachine physically and virtually in
such a way its creations are fully loaded messages ready to be
distributed to others.
through-
email
sound
cell phone
instant message
flash movie
photography
art
whatever
needed:
building a dreammachine
utilizing technology
dreammachine interface
music engineering
research on 2001
interviews after exposure:
a. young
b. old
c. poor
d. rich
e. apathetic ( sorry had ta throw that one in)
Hope this makes sense!! If not email me, we will chat, find out more,
Lets make this thing as real as possible.
Thanks for your consideration
I'll be figuring out my laptop now.:)
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From sfusco@mail.utexas.edu Sun Mar 18 11:56:36 2001
Date: Sun, 21 Jan 2001 21:03:22 -0800
From: Sarah Fusco
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Ass. #1
[ Part 1, Text/PLAIN 35 lines. ]
[ Unable to print this part. ]
(This message was originally written On friday - but silly me sent it to
actlab.mail.utexas.edu - no wonder it was returned!)
My name is Sarah Fusco-Sparacio & I am new to this somewhat intimidating
class. If any of you read the proposal that Danielle wrote, we thought
of this together.
The installation piece would consist of a tent with the universe (or at
least the more famous features -stars, galaxies-) on the cieling of the
tent. If possible, we could connect sensors to certain stars or galaxies
which would respond to a remote controlled pointer that the visitors
could use. The visitor could point to something they'd like to "go to"
and using sound, possible extra visuals or other media, they would learn
about the universe & interact with it.
I'd like to take this an extra step and include theoretical entities,
such as worm holes, black holes, and other space phenomena. Space travel
might be simulated through this installation, as well, but maybe more so
in the web version.
Of course I can't do all this on my own - I am not comfortable with any
of the programs mentioned in class, so therefore, if anyone is
interested in this or has ideas to compliment my proposal, please email
me soon.
If nobody wants to work on this with me, I might kindly confront another
group to join.
I realize I have a lot to learn this semester & I can't wait to dive
into this project, so my fellow classmates, email some feedback or if
interested, let me know. Thank you & have a nice cold weekend.
-------Sarah
From vajda_k@hotmail.com Sun Mar 18 11:56:37 2001
Date: Fri, 19 Jan 2001 11:16:17 -0600
From: kathy vajda
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: Re: space: Assignment 1
I find it difficult to establish a distance between the contortionist body
and its traditional arena of performance (which is why the word 'freedom'
troubles me here). It may be helpful to read through some work on
spectacle, carnival and the grotesque, perhaps going through some Bakhtin
and Debord, and I think Mary Russo's book would also be helpful (Hampshire
College Professor, I think the book has "Feminine Grotesque" in the title).
There are a few things I would like to see addressed: Please check out Mary
Ellen Mark's circus photographs, particularly the Indian Circus
(http://www.maryellenmark.com). You may want to think of addressing some
issues of race and family (in relation to contortionists, circus performers,
and even women's gymnastics). I think your project is most closely tied to
puppetry, and you might want to look at the work of some places like Bread
and Puppet (Vermont) and Redmoon (http://www.redmoon.org) to avoid the Being
John Malkovich trappings. Finally, when dealing with a life-size human
model I don't think it's possible to avoid gender issues no matter how
ambiguous you make the figure. It can't hurt to look at some of Hans
Bellmer's photos.
**Samantha & Yacov--will we have a class discussion about projects in the
near future? I have more questions about this project, and will probably
have more as the others are posted.
good luck
-k vajda
>From: Matt To: space@actlab.us Subject: space: Assignment 1 Date:
>Wed, 17 Jan 2001 18:35:35 -0600 (CST)
>
>Matt Steitle Harold Rogers Dean Hengst Garret Price Marc Krueger
>
>The Twisted Body
>
>After a semester of collaboration, countless hours in the ACT Lab and
>multiple meetings, our group achieved everything it initially set out to.
>We were five people that had never met before who came up with an idea and
>successfully executed it. Now it's time to expand.
>
>Our original goal for the project was to explore a body that seemed out of
>place in this real world. With this notion in mind we chose the
>contortionist as our medium. The contortionist's is a body that operates
>outside of the limitations by which the world is bound. Our idea was to
>make the freedoms of the contortionist available for ordinary people to
>manipulate and explore.
>
>Now, we have decided to enhance this project by transforming it from a
>human puppet show into a farsical, contortionist gaming arena. We have two
>ideas for an entertainment based interactive performance. First, a battle
>of the contortionists rages through a game of contortionist twister. Two
>people compete head to head to see who lasts the longest in the game of
>flexibility. The second is the bone-breaking synthesis, ensuing between the
>computer and its human counterpart. Every contortion that is executed
>beyond the limits of the human body raises the total of fractures that a
>mortal form could withstand. Points are tallied for a possible high score.
>
>We anticipate the possibilites of using sensory equipment, and therefore
>will be researching their capabilites and costs. Hopefully, these will
>sufficiently replace our original, and more constrained, mechanical system
>(i.e.- rope and pully system). Our group is unfamiliar with this technology
>and it will be necessary to research for research on sensors, so if any one
>is familiar with this area, it would be very helpful for your insight.
>Computers will play a large part of the system, and we will be exploring
>the best methods by which to have maximum interaction. Materials include
>but are not limited to: a media projector, enough sensory equipment for
>three people, computers, an attractive enclosure, appropriate lighting,
>life-size dummy and an enthusiastic audience.
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From craig_burk@hotmail.com Sun Mar 18 11:56:37 2001
Date: Tue, 23 Jan 2001 16:02:35 -0000
From: Craig Burk
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: Assignment 1
I am sorry that I did not posted this earlier. In this class I hope to
learn the programs that are on the computers that will help me and my group
develop a good project. I talked to a couple of the other new additions to
the class and we kind of decided to form a group. We came up with the idea
of a interactive universe. So I spend this past weekend on the computer
learning how the use some of the programs that would help us make an
interactive medium.
I did not know how the other group members of mine where think of doing
this project. My idea was to make an interactive movie. The person would
come in the room that we made and sit down in front of a control deck. Made
like a space ship. Each button on the deck would make the movie do
something different. First I thought that it would start by the person
starting the engines and then pushing on the gas. the space ship would take
off and then get to outer space and then you would be able to choose which
planet you wanted to go to and push that auto pilot button. Some other
features would be eject and abort.
An idea that I came up with on my own was an interactive trash can. It
would use a scale to tell you when the can was full. It would also use a
magnetic alarm sensor to say thank you when so one opened the flap to throw
away any trash. Not only would it say thank you and please throw away your
trash. It would also use visually words, with lights behind them.
Craig Burk
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-------
From jjmollner@hotmail.com Sun Mar 18 11:59:33 2001
Date: Tue, 30 Jan 2001 19:42:09 -0000
From: Jason Mollner
To: space@actlab.us
Subject: space: responses
Dreammachine 2.0
-This project is too cool to not do again. From late nights listening to
Art Bell, I have learned that reversed speech is heard by the sub conscious.
If this is true and your machine is able to access the subconscious, then
it would be interesting to play a reversed description of something and then
have everyone in the room hallucinating about the same thing. Also, I have
fanticized about the possibilities of using the dreammachine in a dark room
while playing with my improv band. I am curious what kind of music we would
create.
Anger project-
Have you ever thought about working with the voodoo doll project? Both
projects seem to have the idea of releasing anger. I don't mean to suggest
trashing what you have done. I am just saying that the technology they are
working on could be useful if you used it for your own project.
Voodoo doll project-
If that freak from the anger project tries to talk to you, ignore him.
Hopefully the rejection will give him more to work with on his own project.
Seriously though, you may want to talk to Mike Agustin if you intend to make
a 3d model for use online. He has a good amount experience with openGL and
may be able to help you with problems like collision detection and scaling.
If you succeed at this project, I think it has alot of potential for further
development after the class is over. You should consider showing this of to
some industry people. Keep an eye out for EGADS! posters around campus they
may have a speaker or two who would be interested in your project.
http://egads.cc
Jason Mollner
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