ABOUT US

What is 'KEYWORDSCAPES' ?
- It is an experimental design project in public spaces that allows users in the community give and share their personal expressions towards a specific location by using keywords as a medium. Initially, the project explores a series of low-tech prototypes in public space settings including paper, tracing sticker, and sound installation. The experiments will focus on an aspect of physical interaction--how the project could change user's behaviors, transform the use of space, and/or define a new boundary of existing place.

Why KEYWORDS ?
- According to dictionary.com, keyword is a significant or descriptive word. It is a set of words designed to convey the subject of the context. In my opinion, keywords are very helpful to enable us to better understand an overall context in a short period of time. The typical keywords for websites or articles are given by one or a group of owners and authors to describe their works.What if keywords, given by people in the local community or public instead of owners, could reflect user's experiences in a physical site-specific space?

What is the motivation?
- Inspired by existing street arts (i.e. graffiti) and Folksonomy, this project explores a new type of street arts that is generated by multi-user input. It is an expectation that will transform spectators into artists/designers and embolden playful /thoughtful ways to personalize territory in the public spaces.

How does the system work?
- Basically, all keywords will be stored in the database after you've submitted them through this website. For paper-based prototypes, typical printers will print the keywords. Each keyword, covered by transparency tapes, will be designed (trimmed) at the bottom-right corner for easily removal. For audio-based prototypes, the keywords from database will be sent to Text-to-Speech engine software to transform those keywords into a speech and then will be recorded to sound module devices. Finally, the project will be initially installed in a specific location by keywordscapes team.
Click here to see the design mock-up.

The interaction...
- An audience visits keywordscapes website, thinking about keywords for each locations, and decide to or decide not to submit the keywords in a given form.
- One visits the physical location on the installation period, observes the keywords placed around the space, read the project's description, may or may not remove the tapes, stick them on different spots around the space, go back to project's URL.
- One sees keywordscapes' sound embedded poster, press a button to hear the sound, find other posters, try to listen all the sounds.
- Someone doesn't know about the project tries to remove the tapes then throws them away.
Click here to see the event's documentation.

Is there only location? Who chooses the locations? Where is the next location?
- Not really, however, the initial locations are located in/around Parsons School of Design's building (2 West 13th Street). In the beginning, those locations are chosen by keywordscapes' artist. The project may extend to other locations around the city. If you have any suggestions, please contact us.

If I want to participate in this project , what should I do now ?
- Please submit your keywords and e-mail via this website. We'll send you the event's schedule and updated news.