March 21, 2014 Event

Bridging the Digital and Physical Divide

Join us to see examples of impeccable interactive art and hear Portland’s own Second Story Studio present their approach to creating narrative spaces!

Storytelling Through Media and Place

Matt Arnold and David Waingarten of Second Story provide a unique insight into the methods that help artists, curators and even shopkeepers captivate their audience in a meaningful and participatory way. For years, they have been creating experiences that play out in the realm where the physical and digital worlds meet: virtual museum installations and interactive online media. It is here that the narrative of a space or collection can be brought to bear; visitors find themselves engaged in the content that surrounds them in new ways. When the digital and physical elements are balanced and incorporated into an experience effectively, the environment feels more responsive to the visitor’s journey, resulting in a more significant and longer lasting impression of their visit.

Responsive Environments

We believe in the primacy of place and the power of direct experience. The approaches used should always augment and enhance, never distract. As the digital and physical worlds converge, we are creating responsive environments ­— places where digital content and architecture are seamlessly interwoven and media acts as an interactive catalyst for increased knowledge and understanding of the subject. Places that are not responsive increasingly feel cut off, disconnected, not alive, and often less relevant. When places are ‘turned on’ they directly connect people to their world and digital lives. Activating a space requires us to integrate digital interventions that reveal meaning, make connections, and are participatory in nature in order to create new forms of collaboration across civic engagement, social innovation, cultural entrepreneurship, and education. We incorporate a lab-based approach where experimentation meets collaboration and many talents and backgrounds are brought together to ideate and “get real fast” with prototypes and physical models. Because we approach each project through the lens of a storytelling experience, we are able to create more personalized and participatory experiences that sow the seeds for advocacy and action that can have an impact the future of those who witness these environments. Tickets — this event is free to Cascade SIGGRAPH members. Tickets will be available at www.eventbrite.com, about one week before the event, with discounts for affiliated organizations and students. The price at the door for the general public will be $5.00 to defray operating costs. Transportation — parking is available on the street. The auditorium is at the north side of the Moriarty Arts building at the intersection of N. Killingsworth and Albina. Public transit or carpooling is recommended.

About Second Story

Second Story, a part of SapientNitro, is an innovation center pioneering new interactive experiences. We push the boundaries of storytelling for brands and institutions across digital channels—web, mobile, and installations—empowering audiences to connect and share. For more information, visit http://secondstory.com. Matt Arnold, Lead Engineer — Matt provides the studio with engineering leadership specific to interactive hardware, sensors, and media electronics. With a strong engineering background in robotics design and sensor integration, he offers mechanical design and software solutions to projects, enabling the studio to create unique displays and innovative interactive environments. His programming skills and expertise in 3D modeling also allow him to play a leading role in development of real time graphics displays and large data visualizations. Matt received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. David Waingarten, Creative Director — David’s extensive storytelling background draws on his experiences as a feature filmmaker, musician, editor, and writer. As Creative Director, David works with clients to develop high-level narrative and storytelling strategies that capture the heart and DNA of studio projects, laying the foundations for engaging, intuitive, and inspirational visitor experiences. David ensures that the core creative and narrative goals of a project are met, from early concepts through installation. He leads team members across disciplines, guiding the creative force within the studio and inspiring excellence and laughter.

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