Role: Videography, Problem Solver

Client: Superflux

Year: 2018

Video production and exhibit design for the landmark show, "The Future Starts Here," at the Victoria & Albert Museum

 PROBLEM

Superflux, and my colleagues at Olin College, Sara Hendren, and Caitrin Lynch hired my consulting practice, Solomon Office, to film Cindy, the subject of the final exhibit in the landmark show at the Victoria & Albert Museum, "The Future Starts Here." Cindy is featured in Sara and Caitryn's project, Engineering at Home (engineeringathome.org), to offer responses to the question "what counts as engineering?" Instead of focusing on high tech devices, the installation places Cindy's ideas and home-made adaptations at the center of the research and development of “assistive technologies.”

SOLUTION

In my role I adapted to Cindy's needs by setting up a green screen shoot in her house, and using equipment to ensure her comfort. I directed the shoot to capture her entire body. And in doing so I redesigned the object layout and advised in the fabrication process so that the installation would make it seem as if Cindy's digital avatar was picking up the real objects and interacting with them. Through this design process I ensured that the intimacy of the interview would be extended into the installation.

OUTCOME

• Developed a mobile, low-heat green screen set-up to film the subject at her home.

• Redesigned the layout to accommodate filming her interacting with objects from multiple angles

• Reengineered the architectural display to be constructed in a way that matched the film so the digital avatar could be seen interacting with the real objects on display.