This work looks at the spatial opportunities of archival information—a process we refer to as “embodying the archive.” This work begins with LiDAR scanning technology and ultimately envisions and develops a variety of thematic experiences derived from its various data sets. Two goals within this work are to (1) document and archive buildings indicative of cultural legacies within the city over time and (2) provide opportunities for expanded engagement and interpretation of these buildings through contemporary technologies and fine art channels.
Web Model Dot Space
Project Title
Web Model Dot Space
Contributed by
Aaron Jones
Web Model Dot Space
Services: Architecture and Design
Client
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA), Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), and Talking Dolls Detroit
Web Model Dot Space is a suspended, bell-like dome that graphically represents the interior of an existing Detroit church as a floating, immersive, performative venue. Viewers become active participants as they enter the overhanging structure and become enveloped by its phenomenal nature. The environment incorporates looping tracks composed by musical luminary Waajeed. Entitled “Worship Tones,” the music is derived from legacies and experiences within the Black Church and therefore both draws upon and inspires certain religious themes. The mash-up of musical scores within represented, existing architectures is meant to stoke a deeper and more critical engagement of both elements. Web Model Dot Space becomes an entry point, or portal, to critical dialogue around how existing spaces can facilitate visionary use. Our everyday built environment is filled with static, ancient architectures and institutions that symbolize a kind of permanence. Jones’ architectures are forward-thinking in how they reimagine these familiar spaces in unfamiliar, sensory ways. The viewer steps inside this shift in place; an experience that prompts consideration of how inclusive these sites have historically been in terms of diversity of people, methodologies, and thinking.
Project Goals
Special Thanks
Knight Foundation, MacDowell Colony, Art Omi, Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art, Talking Dolls Detroit, Waajeed, Wesley Taylor, and Lawrence Technological University College of Architecture and Design
Reflections
Briefly describe your project’s timeline and development.
I have an existing practice which deals in the research and development of media structures—broadly defined. I am looking for opportunities to develop links between existing architectures, future architectures, and contemporary performance art, which become portals into media engagement and critical discourse. This project began with an idea that digital preservation archives/digital assets could be translated into thematic performance structures. From this premise, a variety of fellowships and grants developed the work from idea to prototype over the course of a year.
Reflections
What do you think went really well?
This project was able to meet a variety of milestones due to a thoughtful pacing and sustained research budget. These milestones afforded new directions and complexities within the project. The aesthetic of the work coupled with looping audio tracks by Waajeed are especially exciting.
Reflections
What were the outcomes?
The research work resulted in two museum shows: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit as physical models, and Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art as a small experimental dome/theater. Additionally, the project will travel from BMoCA to Talking Dolls Detroit for an extended engagement. A small amount of travel funding essentially extended an otherwise one-off exhibition. In the future, the ability to fundraise an additional 20 percent for travel could produce an additional exhibition, and so an additional outcome is the understanding that this type of work requires much less investment for a phase two.
Reflections
What was most helpful in pulling this project off?
Progress milestones and tech-checks with a variety of people provided new terminology, general pointers, and technical workflows.
Reflections
Based on your experience, what advice do you have to share?
Find ways to pin-up your project. Know what your project is about so that your values can withstand feedback. When things are going smooth, push twice as far.
Reflections
Do you plan to continue this project?
This body of research can take on many manifestations. I look forward to developing this work into a methodology for developing media structures for performance artists across a variety of scales. Additionally, I intend to use this work to frame ongoing scholarship around “embodying the archive,” adaptive reuse, and speculative fiction.
This case study was generously contributed by
Aaron Jones
Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (BMoCA), Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), and Talking Dolls Detroit
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