Deep Space 8K: The Soul of the Cube

Ars Electronica Futurelab (AT), Queensland University of Technology (AU)
SAT September 5, 2015, 1PM-1:30 PM
Deep Space, Ars Electronica Center
Ars Electronica Center

In the centre of the Queensland University of Technology’s (QUT) new Science and Engineering Centre stands the Cube, a high-end display/interaction environment including 14 high definition projectors and 52 x 55” touch screens. But what is behind the technology? What is the identity of the Cube? And how does it relate to the campus and its environment? The Soul of the Cube (SOTC) is a virtual being, an abstract creature that is visible in between applications, it is both a “host” and the inner self of its complex infrastructure.

It is entirely shaped by data such as the building’s power consumption, the campus research output and the academic calendars. All of which influence the Soul’s mood, its appearance and behaviour. Furthermore, its very structure – a rhizomatic web of light reminiscent of neuronal activity – is generated by the interrelations between QUT’s faculties. SOTC is also a major upgrade to The Cube’s operating system, allowing the environment to gracefully transition between projects. This presentation from the core team of collaborators provides a greater insight into this unique project and the Cube environment.

The project is a collaboration between the Ars Electronica Futurelab, the Cube Studio (Precincts, QUT), the ePrints Team (Library, QUT), and ViseR (IFE, QUT).

Ars Electronica Futurelab: Peter Holzkorn, Horst Hörtner, Benjamin Mayr, Michael Mayr, Kristefan Minski, Clemens Scharfen, Florian Berger

Queensland University of Technology (AU)

Precincts: Andrew Casper, Sean Druitt, Daniel Fisher, Brian Jeffery, Nigel Oram, Rachael Parsons, Gary Rasmussen, Susan Street, Lubi Thomas

IFE: Tim Gurnett, Ian Mackinnon, Jim Reeves, Gleb Sechenov, Gavin Winter

Library (ePrints): Stephanie Bradbury, Marco Fahmi, Matthew Kerwin