Part 1:
We were assigned to make a photographed typology, made of 12-20 images of an object of our choice. Living on the 5th floor with a full view to 20th street, I have a constant, undefined relationship with the public space outside my apartment. I can watch the passengers walking down the street, minding their own businesses; taking the dog for a walk, going to the gym, talking on the phone, holding hands etc.
For my typology, I’ve decided I want to find some kind of a typology, a pattern in daily habits of these pedestrians. Being restricted to objects rather than people, had made this assignment more challenging. I was looking outside of my window one morning, when suddenly it started to rain. People passing by started pulling out their umbrellas one by one, and what I saw was a colourful display of walking umbrellas.
I found it interesting, visually and conceptually, how from my point of view, the umbrellas had hidden most of the pedestrians’ figures, revealing for the most part their lower body parts. Visually, it was a funny, pleasant look, rich with colors and motions. Conceptually, what intrigued me the most was that although I took the role of the invisible observer, the circumstances prevented me from actually picking out the identities of the people in front of me. It created an interesting contrast between the invasiveness of my act and the secrecy of the subject matters. Private \ Public domains.
The next step was to list the shared characteristics and rules of my group of objects:
- Concave
- Round
- Light weighted
- Seasonal (Winter)
- Protective
- secrecy – unrevealing
- Sectional – made from triangles
- Resistant (Water & wind)
- Symmetric
- Chelsea
- Blocking face – secret identity
- Hand held
- Fashionable (Color & pattern)
- Portable
- Collapsable
Part 2:
Based on the parameters I’ve listed that define my typology, I was to design my own object that abides by the same rules. I had to do a descriptive drawing of the object and give it a name.
I wanted to focus on the parameters -Light weighted, secrecy – unrevealing, blocking face – secret identity, fashionable (color & pattern), portable, collapsable. And make something that is practical as well as stylish.
Offon line (Offline – online; going offline from your physical presence and online on your personal computer) is a wearable sock that enables private, secure use of your laptop in public spaces. The sock is made of stretchable fabric, and has holes for the head and hands. By wearing the sock over your head, hands and laptop you can create a personal work space wherever you are. It is a fashionable anti – surveillance device that can be easily folded, is light weighted and transportable.
