01｜Cross-Context Observations

01 - Cross-Context Translation

For the observation, I went back to Washington Square Park, where I did my ISFS in MS1, to see how it differs between summer and winter.

One interesting human/non-human behavior pattern:

• I feel that Washington Square Park is a place with its own unique dynamics and social character, so when analyzing interactions within it, I sometimes feel that I might be too arbitrary. If I focus only on the fountain area, beyond the obvious human interactions, observing how people utilize the space is also an interesting approach. You can see some people sitting on the top steps, some facing in, some facing out, some leaning on the outside, and some sitting on the inside steps.

• Translation:
  Could this inspire seating design in theaters, stadiums, or public transportation? For example a bus with different seat orientations to encourage varied interactions or solitude.
  

One spatial arrangement:

• I feel that the arrangement changed human activities around the fountain. In summer, with the fountain running, most people stay around the basin, with a few sitting on the first and second steps, engaging in quieter activities like resting and chatting. In winter, with the fountain turned off, people can access the lowest level of the basin, expanding the activity area. Group gatherings and ball games are common, creating a more dynamic atmosphere.

• Translation:
  Thinking of how people use different parts of the fountain in different seasons, I was thinking in an exhibition design perspective, what if visitors could access different areas of an exhibition at different times? A museum could have a "core" exhibit open year-round, but outer sections rotate, like how the fountain’s use changes when it's on/off.
  

One type of interaction between human & human, human & non-human, non-human & non-human:

• I found that people sitting on the outer rim of the fountain are mostly using their phones and only stay there for a short while. On the other hand, in the inner part of the fountain, more people are chatting with each other or engaging in activities like playing ball or skateboarding. They also tend to stay in the area for a longer period of time.

• Translation:
  inspired by the contrast between structured mobile interaction and spontaneous social play, I’m mapping this idea onto another context, where some exhibits require structured engagement (e.g., guided prompts, linear narratives) and others allow for open-ended exploration (e.g., free play with materials, sandbox-style interactions).

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02 - Material Studies

The material property I found interesting is the refraction and reflection of surfaces/light.

New scenarios in unexpected contexts:

1. Trying to incorporate the utopia and dystopia scene, I was thinking of creating something which is decentralized and network-like (in Deleuze’s concept of rhizome). Maybe I can create an art installation using reflective surfaces to play with the reflection of lights?

2. Maybe use the reflective quality of wet sand or tidal pools as natural projection surfaces. As waves recede, the water can momentarily create a mirror-like effect, displaying text or images projected from nearby sources (e.g., hidden lights or sunlight reflections).

3. Or somehow making an augmented and interactive dining experience? Use reflective and refractive surfaces on tables or plates to manipulate how food is perceived. Light refraction could make dishes appear to float, change colors, or reveal hidden messages when viewed through special lenses or mirrored utensils.

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03 - Rhythm & Pattern Collection

I was kind of surprised to learn about mushroom fairy rings during my research. These rings grow outward in expanding circles, concentrating nutrients at the edges for optimal resource distribution. I feel that this natural pattern could also inspire circular distribution models for food, water, and aid supplies, ensuring resources are evenly spread and continuously expanding. For example, emergency relief efforts and urban farming projects could adopt this growth strategy, decentralizing supply hubs to reach more people efficiently.

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04 - Function Follows Form

New potential uses:

1. Urban chimneys convert wind and thermal updrafts into sounds, acting like massive, autonomous wind instruments. Each city develops its own “chimney symphony,” blending infrastructure and art.

2. Thinking of most of the chimneys are growing upwards to the sky, what if a chimney is going beneath the ground? Maybe we can create a memory-releasing graveyard chimney that release light mist infused with tiny, biodegradable memory capsules containing voice recordings of the deceased.

3. Chimneys that release bioluminescent or iridescent smoke into the sky, creating color-coded signals or images which can be seen from the sky.

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New potential uses:

1. The echo sound effect beneath the arch seems like an interesting element to explore. Imagine using the arch structure in museum spaces to “store” the echoes of past visitors' reactions to the exhibits. When people pass under an arch, they might hear whispered conversations, past curatorial debates, or artists discussing their work, creating a living dialogue across time.

2. Arches designed to appear as if they are floating, bending, or warping space depending on the viewing angle. So I’m thinking of using mirrored or transparent surfaces to create the illusion of movement or weightlessness. When people walk through the arch and they can feel like they are entering a different gravitational field. Could be used for theme parks, architectures or some kind of surreal city landmarks.

3. A bookshelf designed as a simple archway that can morph and expand into different shapes for various storage needs. Users can pull and stretch the arch to form a larger shelf space or collapse it into a compact, minimal design when not in use. The arch can also support hanging elements like bags or hats, with removable modular units inside for books, decor, or kitchen supplies.

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New potential uses:

1. Using the structure of spinal vertebrae to create furniture system where tables, chairs, and storage expand or contract based on interlocking gears.

2. Making a giant gear interactive installation where people can stand on or push interconnected gears to generate energy, move structures, or create sound/light patterns, turning gears might open passageways, activate projections, or unlock music.

3. A desk surface covered in interlocking gears that reorganizes itself based on usage. When an item is left in one spot for too long, the gears shift to "nudge" objects into optimal positions, preventing clutter. Could also recharge devices by transmitting rotational energy into wireless charging zones.

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05 - System Intersection Points