City Wallpaper is an experiment reimagining maps as objects of art. We use maps every day, we think of them as ordinary and useful objects, but they are also objects of beauty.
City Wallpeper uses regular, store-bought materials to infuse light into maps a delicate, completely flat circuit is hidden behind each map. The circuit is made of copper tape to conduct electricity, clear tape to insulate the connections, and small surface mounted LEDs to light up the map. The LEDs are cold-soldered directly onto the copper tape using low-cost conductive paint. A flat Lilypad Arduino is embedded into the foam, along with a small LiPo battery; these last two items power the circuit.
The audience is invited to interact with the maps by touching the areas marked by the yellow arrows. Force-sensing resistors are hidden behind the surface, ready for your finger’s touch.
This project was inspired by the Living Wall at MIT Media Lab. The idea is that everyday decorative objects such as maps, pictures and wallpapers can be interactive and personal.
City Wallpaper is on display for two days at the ITP Spring Show on Monday May 14 from 5-9 PM and on Tuesday May 15 from 4-8 PM at 721 Broadway, 4th floor.
