In my current work I am using new technology as a catalyst for social interaction. The work presents a widened understanding of what a public space consists of and how each individual's use of the space expands it's meaning.

Tin Drum consists of a physical drumming machine which is controlled by the readings of a GPS enabled HP iPAQ handset. A performer is outfitted with this wearable, location-based drumming machine. While walking and occupying public space the GPS data is analyzed and translated in to drumming patterns.

I am using Mediascape (a software developed by HP) to match the GPS readings with a wide variety of prerecorded, stereo sound files. Each of the two sound channels consists of short, high-pitched sounds and pauses. Custom build electronics and a micro-controler (wiring i/o board) use the sounds to activate two relays. The power for the motors is regulated through those relays.

It is important to me to combine the virtual Mediascape layer with a real world intervention to create a stronger connection between the two. The performer will function as point of public attentions and as link between the virtual and real layers of public space.

Maps usually focus on the highlights of places, i.e. single points. With this project though I want to emphasis the importance for movement through spaces and the resulting shift of one's viewpoint in a literal and metaphorical sense.

That's why in the next version of this project I plan to interpret and translate the Global-Positioning-System data directly in to drumming patterns and avoid the use of pre-arranged sounds that are connected to fixed locations.

More creative and individualized uses of mapping systems are needed that challenge the power and fixed knowledge that maps stand for.

More information can be found at the wiki of the "almost perfect" residency I participated in at the Banff Centre.

technical details:

- a HP iPAQ is equipped with a GPS receiver and runs mediascape software
- the software analyzes GPS data and translates it in to on/off patterns
- on and off are translated in to stereo beeping sounds

- costume made electronics uses the beeping to control two relays
- this is achieved through the use of transistors, capacitors, resistors and the wiring i/o board
- the board checks for voltage reading on it's analog InPins and sends out on/off signals through it's digital OutPins

- a 14 Volt Battery from a cordless power drill powers the two motors which in turn cause the drum sticks to hit the metal ring


processing code to read volume of audio and translate to digital output
download PDF of circuit