Institute: Programme

PROGRAMME - Movement is a defining aspect of Point Douglas; the train bisects the area, water defines its three sides, and the Disraeli bridge creates further disconnection form the rest of downtown. At another level, good and materials are collected, stored, and moved from place to place, while subtle changes are caused by weather and climate. The institute stems from an interest in how movement is continually redefining the site, surrounding areas in Point Douglas, and Winnipeg as a greater whole.

The institute will observe various forms of movement occurring throughout Point Douglas representing them through drawing and architecture. The primary intent is that the institute will act as long term recording device, layering data onto a surface. This data is received and recorded from movements in the surrounding areas and is amplified by light and sound-creating mechanisms. The light is projected through drawing surface and onto the upper portions of the spherical space. This portion contains light sensors which respond as the surface shifts and rotates, causing a variety of tones to be produced. The rhythm of this sound depends upon the movement and the contrast of light and shadow; caused by the markings left of the surface. The changes in the data effects the sound being produced; theoretically a single composition is never heard twice. The institute continues to create sound, project light, and record constantly until their is nothing left to record or it is not needed.

SCANNING THE SKY - Sensors scan the sky waiting for movement, changes in color, weather, + light qualities; small portions are analyzed and are broke down into patterns of light + dark. This data is collected, compared, + used to manipulate the shifting surface; depending on the level of change.
FORCES + VIBRATION - Sensors record the force exerted by passing trains at both end of the Annabella bridge; the data from each side is compared + used to to determine the rotation of the drawing surface. Similar sensors are placed throughout Point Douglas recording changes related to force + vibration; the Red River, the Disraeli bridge, etc.
Plan of Institute
Section AA
Section BB
South Elevation

Drawing Machine (recording movement throughout Point Douglas)

Close up of drawing surface + track system.

The track system.

A collection of images showing the movement of the device. The amount of data being sensed determines where the pen will draw; if the vaule is low it will be near the center (higher values are recorded on the outter portions).

Prototypes

I constructed two versions of the device; one made out of hardboard w/pendulum mechanism for rotation and another made with acrylic w/motor for rotation. The hardboard version was relatively unsuccessful, in that the material caused too much friction and flexibility. The pendulum motion could not overcome the friction caused by the drawing point. In the acrylic version the friction was greatly reduced + the motor allowed the device to overcome the friction caused by the drawing point. A problem common to both is that the ink drawing point dries too fast. I've tried removing the inner part of the pens; the inner part is wrapped inked soaked fabric. This fabric easily leaves marked on the acrylic (see the acrylic version). The lines are wide and need to be controlled. I'm going to look for a more suitable solution such as a calligraphy pen, etc.

This image is of the hardboard version of the device; the armature was moved by hand to stimulate the drawing process. Pendulum motion and track system was not successful in overcoming friction.
Detail image of hardboard track + gears.
This is the acrylic version; the armature was able to rotate around the surface with the aid of a DC motor. The parts reduce the friction making the track system functional.
Detail of the acrylic track + gears; the ink lines are wide.