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Proposal Summary
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We are interested in building a prototype for an immersive video environment in order to experiment with the techniques of construction, the generation of content and the experience of the participants. It is our intent to create an accessible forum for immersive art in order to encourage its creation and exploration.
The DimensionElevator is a set of four screens arranged to make up the four walls of a room. Four video projectors are arranged outside of the room so that each projector covers one screen with its projected image. A pair of stereo speakers above each screen provides an audio environment to match the images.
Many video art pieces use large video projections, but they are mostly projected on a screen that can be seen to exist within a room. In our installation the screens will define the space. We hope that because the video is everywhere, its presence will in effect become invisible. Video is simply a tool to color the walls.
In the commercial realm, the Imax theaters share our goal of creating an immersive environment. A significant difference with our project is that every location within our space maps to a specific location in the projected environment. Whereas in a theater, each seat is essentially equivalent, some just have better views. The most similar existing systems to ours are virtual reality research tools like the CAVEs.
An important difference between this project and existing immersive environments like Imax theaters and CAVEs is that it is much less costly to create this installation and content for it.
Content for the DimensionElevator is made up of four synchronized video clips. Each clip corresponds to one wall. Initial baseline content types that we would like to experiment with are:
Record an actual environment with 4 video cameras.
Create an environment with computer graphics or traditional animation techniques.
Experiment with the perception of location, size, motion and balance.
Freeform creation on four large dynamic canvases.
Video intended for use with other forms of art within the space, i.e. sculpture, painting, dance and theater.
4 video projectors. 4 projector supports. 4 sound systems. A 4 channel synchronized video playback system. A screen structure, including 4 16’ x 12’ screens .
The price range for the materials for this installation is: $25,000 - $45,000.
The DimensionElevator screen structure requires an open space measuring at least 17’ x 17’ x 14’ tall. The projectors are mounted on the outside of the room, 24’ from each screen. The sight lines between the projectors and the screens must be unobstructed. The projector space requirements can be minimized through the use of large mirrors.
Stephen Holland Chang has a background in architecture and apprenticed for two years with organic architect Eugene Tsui. Stephen is currently using 3d graphics to create fluid/non-Cartesian environments.
Christopher Zimmermann earned a degree in physics in pursuit of his curiosity of the nature of the world. His appreciation of complex systems has widened to include society and culture. Now, he hopes to use video and the internet as a medium to propagandize his views of creativity and respect to the masses.
Both are participants in the Dandelion Collective.
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