Artist: Di Mainstone (Eyebeam Resident): Fashion Technologist + Jason Lim (Di’s Assistant): Architect
Workshop: Exploring the link between clothing and architecture, Di Mainstone (wearable artist) and Jason Lim (architect) will observe the body from an architectural perspective. Exploring connections between our bodies and our urban environment Di and Jason will commence by referencing the recent Skin and Bones exhibition. Participants (pioneers) will then be asked to examine their own relationship with New York City, and observe the behaviors of their fellow urbanites. Following a series of exercises involving language, observation and narrative, pioneers will physically think through the creation of a wearable structure that connects our bodies with the urban space. We will change the urban experience through wearing and installing a structure within public space. We also hope to push the boundaries of instinctual creativity through on-the-spot prototyping. Following a series of urban interventions, during which pioneers will be asked to install themselves within the space, we will explore personal and social response. How did the installation change? How does it change their vision of the space?
Critical Frameworks: narrative, social interactions, urban research, rapid prototyping, architecture, built environment
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July 9th was the third day of DDC 09. All were excited to see what the day had in store for us. While waiting for the other Digital Campers to arrive Stephanie introduced us to a project called Window Farms. Window Farms are vertical, hydroponic, modular, low-energy, high-yield edible window gardens built using low-impact or recycled local materials. By using hydroponics and suspended vertical systems, you can grow an amazing amount of fresh food in a small space inside your apartment or office.
Subsequently, we played a game which helped recap the workshop that occurred the day before with Ava. The game was as follows; the person in the middle of the circle voiced out their definitions on public space, social space, and private space. If you agreed with them then you had to move to another space around the circle that isn’t occupied as fast as you can so you wouldn’t be left in the middle of the circle. After this warm up, we were ready to learn from our workshop leaders Di Mainstone and Jason Lim.
Di Mainstone is an Eyebeam Resident and a Fashion Technologist and Jason Lim is an Architect as well as Di’s assistant. They came to Eyebeam to discuss the link between clothing and architecture. To begin, they showed us a presentation of their past and current pieces which also discussed the other artists in their field. One of their currents projects is creating clothing that allows the wearer to interact with their environment. The Silephone is an instrument designed as headpiece which when touched in certain ways eliminates the sounds surrounding the user.
Jason stylin' the Silephone as Di discusses the mechanics behind it
After the presentation we traveled outside to the highline where we split into groups. We then observed different locations on the high line and how people interacted with their surroundings. We then reassembled and were given different devices which WHIPPED OUT one of our senses. Either sight, hearing, or smell was taken away by taped up glasses, ear plugs and gas masks. We walked back along the highline in our gear and re-experienced the gardens without these senses. Due to the loud nature of these devices they attracted attention.
Hear no evil
See no evil
Um...Smell no evil?
We came back to the lab where we discussed our findings and our ideas for projects. These projects were meant to be quick and rough, while still completing their purpose. We set to work using a variety of different materials ranging from hula-hoop to feather dusta’.
DDCers hard at work
Pretty in pink
After a solid hour of blood, sweat, and tears our projects were finally complete and ready to SHOCK THE HIGHLINE. So we headed out.
The troops ready and assembled with their phasers set to AWESOME
We then proceeded to our different spots where we presented to the rest of the group about what our project was and how it influenced its environment. In the end the projects dealt with different issues, from shade, to respect, to awareness for the environment. Everyone did a great job and had a fun and interactive day which allowed for the creative sides of the individuals to flourish.
Post and Pics By: Evonny Escoto and Spencer Brown 🙂
Digital Day Camp '09 