WiFi Camera Obscura

WiFi Camera Obscura Adam Somlai-Fischer, Bengt Sjölén & Usman Haque, 2006.

Adam Somlai-Fischer, Bengt Sjölén & Usman Haque

An interpretation of the traditional camera obscura that uses an antenna fabricated from empty cans of wasabi- covered peas. This is mounted on a robotic head that scans for wireless network signals. The results are presented on a nearby screen as constantly updating images.

Adam Somlai-Fischer is an architect and interaction researcher. As a founding partner of Aether Architecture he specialises in designing interactive architectural projects.

Bengt Sjölén is an independent game technology researcher.

Usman Haque has been a researcher at the Interaction Design Institute Ivrea, Italy; artistin-residence at the International Academy of Media Arts and Sciences, Japan; and has also worked in the US, UK and Malaysia. Until 2005 he was a teacher in the Interactive Architecture Workshop at the Bartlett School of Architecture, London.

www.aether.hu www.automata.se www.haque.co.uk

WiFi Camera Obscura

Adam Somlai-Fischer, Bengt Sjölén & Usman Haque, 2006.

In the age of “enlightenment”, electromagnetic waves as “visible light” formed our most ubiquitous medium. Today, we are increasingly creating and responding to nonvisual electromagnetic fi elds - those emanating from our devices and environments.

This project takes realtime “photos” of the electromagnetic space of wifi networks. These are increasingly found in coffee shops, offi ces and homes throughout the developed world.