Revealing Intangible Networks

I love Immaterials: Light Painting WiFi project by Timo Arnall, Jørn Knutsen, Einar Sneve Martinussen from the Oslo School of Architecture and Design. They have visualized the wireless networks that surround us by building a WiFi measuring rod that allows them to light paint a visualization of WiFi intensity during dark December days in Oslo!

Photos from YOUrban.no

This technique is particularly revealing of some of the WiFi "shadow" that's created by a brick wall seen here.

There is definitely an ever increasing desire to reveal the invisible networks that surround us making them visible or tangible. I could imagine an entire facade of a building that is a constantly fluctuating display of the wireless in the area as a form of functional ornament. Imagine a display built into sidewalks that is a real time embedded form of warchalking.

Thanks to my colleague Rebecca Sinclair for passing this on to me!