7. [In]Tangible
2021, University of Tennessee
Professor Mark Stanley
Individual Work
The research that inspired this project was originally focused on surveillance capitalism in relation to things both tangible and intangible. What became inherent about this topic was the impact of the surveillance aspect of the research, how the 21st century exploits Big Data and private information. Sometimes it is obvious people are being watched because they can see the surveillance cameras or the television screen that mirrors them as they walk into a store. Other times it is less obvious in the form of voice monitoring and GPS tracking. This project begins to have a conversation with surveillance capitalism through raising an awareness to seeing and being seen. The structure itself is a steel, web-like system of organic pieces that fit together seamlessly and are welded at the joints. To create enclosure, each opening in the webbed steel structure is filled with a custom fitted piece of glass. Additionally, there is a digital screen that wraps around the exterior of the building and at times cuts into it. The screen is almost ribbon like and it is one of many ways that the building is discussing the awareness to seeing and being seen. The use of the digital screen allows occupants to look through, or at times reflect. The use of glass brings forth its own perspectives as it is sometimes used as mirrors, and at other times it is translucent, fogged, or one way. By nature glass offers varying qualities in different light.
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Interior Perspectives
Research Document Cover
Research Samples