(endless) Wall by: Michael Takeo Magruder - 05.2008

A real-time virtual world in which a user exists in a state of perpetual containment and isolation.   Context:   We are a divided society. Throughout history our ancestors have purposefully constructed barriers and divisions to fragment the world’s population. From land and wealth to knowledge and freedom, social engineering has created arbitrary imbalances between nations and individuals alike.   In this age, new industrial and communication technologies have the potential to extend human creativity and provide numerous benefits within our everyday lives. Although such technologies can engender an open and enabled society, these mechanisms are often implemented in processes of restriction and control.   From the Israeli wall in Palestine to DEC’s firewall, governments and corporations surround us with impassable barriers under the guise of ‘protection’ and ‘security’.   (endless) Wall is a virtual 3D environment into which a single individual can venture. Upon entrance, the user is confronted by a wall that spans into the distance, whilst behind them a barren ground dissipates into a black void. The wall is impassable. As the individual journeys along its base there is never a break in the structure or a means to transverse the barrier.   At regular points, small openings like narrow slits of a prison cell allow the individual to gaze into the space that lies beyond. The view is not of a utopia, but only another wall – imposing and unbroken like the first. In the distance, a beautiful and soft light emanates from the sky and stretches across the horizon. The passage of time is recorded only by the slow but constant progression of the clouds above.   We sense the notion of a better place (a better life), but we cannot reach it.   Assisted by:   Drew Baker ( 3D visualisation )   Requirements:   * note * The Cortona3D Viewer is not available for OS X. On these systems FreeWRL can be used to render most aspects of the work.   * note * The Cortona3D Viewer v5.1 is not compatible with Internet Explorer 8 and Firefox 3, v6.0 must be used on these systems.   [ online ] Windows 2000/XP/Vista/7 computer system with Internet Explorer, Firefox or Chrome, the Cortona3D Viewer 6, Adobe Flash 10 and Windows Media Player 11 plugins, and 5.1 or stereo audio. A high-specification CPU/GPU, colour display with ≥1024x768 resolution and 512+ kb/s Internet connection are recommended.   [ gallery ] High-specification Windows XP/Vista/7 computer system capable of real-time high definition 3D rendering. Multi or single channel high definition video system. 5.1 or 2.1 audio system. HCI device for user navigation.   Images:

Without Whom:   Nathalie Hénon + Jean-François Rettig ( curation ) . Arturo Moreno Reyes ( logistics ) . David Steele ( consultation )   Supported by:   King’s Visualisation Lab, Centre for Computing in the Humanities, King’s College London and ParallelGraphics

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