Sensing YOU

PROJECT OVERVIEW
For the “Capital of Silicon Valley,” the project’s inspiration came from the patterning of raindrops on water and the ripples emanating from each drop. Corson imagined each of us with our cell phones constantly emanating cell phone signals like digital auras. Besides low-res video being played across the sculptural lighting surface, the project “Senses YOU” via overhead motion sensors to trigger localized sequences. The artwork brings much needed illumination and activation to an area where pedestrian activity was previously eschewed, serving to reconnect two important parts of the downtown – a long desired improvement by the community. The project partners with Niantec Lab (A Google spin-off) to allow people to play and reveal aspects of the mobile game Ingress, briefly transforming the illumination into aspects of the game. A companion piece to "Sensing WATER," and part of San Jose’s “Illuminating Downtown Project,” which received significant funding from ArtPlace America. The site is an underpass of a major highway, on a major downtown thoroughfare that connects the core of the downtown with the major rail transportation hub, an historic and growing neighborhood, and the event center - home to the city's professional hockey team and site of many concerts, circus performances, ice shows and other events that draw local and regional visitors. The underpass was considered by most to be a barrier to pedestrian traffic and a danger for cyclists, particularly at night when the lighting was minimal.
PROJECT LOCATION
PROJECT TEAM
San Jose Downtown Association