Jussi Ängeslevä

Here/There
| UdK | 2006 |
url: http://www.digital.udk-berlin.de/en/projects/winter0506/winter0506ha/herethere.html

The network is everywhere. Most computers connect to it in some way today. But what happens when (other) everyday objects begin to migrate to the same information awareness? The benefits of networked computing are indisputable (together with the privacy concerns, elevated crime etc.), yet thus far the networked presence has mostly existed through the illumination of the computer screen, be it bolted on the ground or carried in your pocket. Such devices, however, are specifically made for computation, and their physical "aura" is left with little concern. Contrary to this, we are simultaneously surrounded with "dumb" object, that are still infinitely more emotionally important to us. With computers, it's the backup that matters, not the body. "here/there" looks at the phenomenon of networkedness through the lense of design. What happens, when physical objects that are crafted to elicit personal attachment, that one lives and ages with, become network aware? What, if anything, can networked intelligence bring to everyday objects of that kind? What does the physical presence mean in the first place?