Originally constructed as multipurpose offices, the building was recently acquired by the College and now houses its main library, several art studios and administration.
New York-based architect/designer Shashi Caan of the Shashi Caan Collective - and a former ECA graduate - was asked to design an interactive public artwork for the new building that would create a special ambience and imbibe the space with meaning.
Utilising different elements of projected art - stills, video and animations - created by the students, offered the opportunity for the atrium to become a dynamic forum via which the College could speak about itself. "The only way we could create this type of an installation was through using technology" Caan explains, adding "The evolutionary nature of the work was exactly the right way for technology to become involved in this project - it was the solution not the starting point."
Caan contacted David Bianciarci video consultant and integration specialist of New York based AV & Controls, for input on the specific media technology needed to energise her ideas. The two have worked together on several previous projects. His "logical" choice after listening to what Caan sought to achieve was High End's Catalyst DL1 moving projectors. He then contacted PID as the UK dealer and a company specialising in bespoke solutions.
PID's Nev Bull project managed, working closely with Bianciardi to develop and fine tune the equipment needed to make the installation work.
Four DL1s were specified by Bianciardi - to allow four separate video clip playbacks and being able to reposition themselves for an edge blended, multi-projector line up. During some sequences, the units perform live moves that are synchronised with the content. The DL1 units are rigged onto a custom built frame above the atrium doors.
Initial projection content was supplied by various ECA departments, which PID formatted into Catalyst-friendly media. Bianciardi storyboarded the sequences and oversaw the Catalyst programming which was completed by Nev Bull and Hugh Davies-Webb.
The constantly changing content is a mix of stills and movies, from hand drawn pencil animations to high quality 3D videos. A snapshot of campus life is captured with photos and images from college balls and other events from past and present.
(Jim Evans)
