July 15, 2005
MIX-m.org
Material and Non-Material Space
MIX-m.org--by fabric | ch--is a mixed space architecture that exists at the same time in variable and complementary spaces: physical space (Contemporary Art Centre Geneva), digital space (a multi-users and game like environment), networked spaces (distributed over the internet). MIX-m.org exists at different scales. Its actual scale depends on the one set as "real" by each user (1:x, 1:50, 1:1, 50:1, x:1). It is basically a 2d-3d architecture project, both real and digital.
Oscillating and hesitating between black and white, between 2d and 3d, MIX-m.org museum echoes some historical archetypes: the "white cube" of modern museum as well as the "black box" of video-art installations. It also echoes some historical "special effects" environments (Tron, before post-processing).
Translated into "screen based" or "beamer based" architecture, this white to black condition becomes an over- to under- enlightened situation. Far from a functional intention, it proposes an evolving illumination system connected to the global activity of MIX-m.org server (rate of information). This system exists both in physical (neon light) and digital spaces (virtual light beam). MIX-m.org as mixed museum becomes therefore a variation between architectural types and references, playing with the user's eye and cultural habits.
Before creating MIX-m.org (3d environments, spatial presence, mobility and lighting concepts, web site), fabric | ch has been exploring contemporary space, within its material and non-material dimensions. The "multiplying space" concept, which underlies MIX-m.org, is the result of such experimental and then applied works: _knowscape mobile (2003-2005), map_I.T. for Swiss Fedral Insitute of Technology (EPFL, 2003) and in particular other "museum" projects, like La_Fabrique (1999-2001), a "3d chat" museum for Canal+, or electroscape 002 (2002), a prototype of MIX-m.org created for MAMCO and Version biennial. See also RealRoom(s).
Posted by jo at July 15, 2005 06:25 PM
