On the surface, one tends to imagine a land of milk and honey; life simply becomes simpler. Annoying manual labor is taken care of by electronics and mechanisms.
The refinement / pulverization of existence
A really intelligent ambience must not let its intelligence lead to the idiocy
of its users. An extremely intelligent ambience is not necessarily dependent on
technological aids. An electronically controlled ambience must not only lead to
the routine facilitation of everyday life; it must also take areas of
unexpected stimulus into consideration.
A simpler life in a more complex environment.
The goal is to design the environment's intelligence so that it is conducive to
the user's intelligence. However, this also requires that this ambience
integrates itself into the big picture into broader contexts. In this sense,
everyday processes are put into motion, obstacles are created, and resistances
are set, all of which stimulate the user to think and act. A power failure an
example of a learning aid. Friction a challenge to interact.
Hauptplatz (Main Square): Examples of STWST operations
Scraping off shoes onto the surface:
Previously described as the most beautiful square in Europe. Remodelling of the
Hauptplatz in 1979; barriers and stairs are constructed; the square's expanse
unity was destroyed by the organizational measures.
The bumpy cobblestones, which provide friction, had to make way for
frictionless stone slabs and useless steps. Because of the friction caused by
this remodelling concept for the Hauptplatz in 1979, the Stadtwerkstatt went
into public action for the first time.
Scraping the public against intelligent ambient traps:
Prelude
"Interaktive art" is made accessible to a wide public.
1. Opener
The Hauptplatz will be transformed into a type of intelligent ambience in which
the audience are the protagonists. Every entrance is designed in such a way so
that the passer-by seems to step onto a stage when entering the square.
Applause, a storm of camera flashbulbs, and calls of encouragement greet the
visitor. On the square, he or she is automatically given the opportunity to
make events happen. The individual could either be the lead actress or, in the
next moment, a singer in a large chorus.
In this course composed of electronic triggers of events, the visitor's
involvement determines whether things happen to him or her, or whether he or
she intentionally intervenes in the events and interacts with man and machine
via control switchings.
The scenario of the "Opener" is set up so that the "visitors" are encouraged to
engage in audience participation.
2. Audience Participation
A laser beam characterizes the playing field in which the audience will go into
action. As night falls, the playing field becomes more and more visible.
Stadtwerkstatt is in charge of this project, the organizational, technical and
artistic aspects.
