NUIT BLANCHE: An interactive media art installation

CONCEPT DESIGN + EXECUTION

2012 | Store windows, Cameras, Screens, Bash Script w/ gStreamer

Client: lululemon athletica

This interactive media installation was created for lululemon Queen St and Cumberland for Nuit Blanche Toronto 2012. Screens, cameras and lights transformed store windows at both locations into engaging experiences after hours, creating surprise and delight. Viewers passing by the Queen Street and Cumberland Street stores during Nuit Blanche created intriguing visualizations as they pass by the window. Distorted outlines of viewers appeared on screens, both in the store window before them, and also in the other location. Viewers connected anonymously at either location through the outlines, both of themselves and of the viewers elsewhere. Viewers waved to one another, danced with one another, and struck a yoga pose or two together across a city.

Videography: Cameron Roden

Programming: Bryan Rite

Nuit Blanche (literally White Night, All-Nighter or Sleepless Night in French) is an annual all-night art festival that takes place all over the world.

A city will typically have museums, private and public art galleries, and other cultural institutions open and free of charge, with the centre of the city itself being turned into a de-facto art gallery. There are spaces for art installations, performances, themed social gatherings, and other activities. Art pieces are often interactive and use light to engage with viewers.

Client needs:

• utilize store windows and storefront space during Nuit Blanche to create an out-of-this-world guest experience
• create something that celebrates community and movement
• create something that connects the two store locations in Toronto: Queen St and Cumberland St.
• create an event that would honor the company’s core value of fun

Concept: 

Screens, cameras and lights transform store windows into engaging experiences after hours. 

A group of friends step in front of the window at location (a) and are delighted when a distorted outline of themselves appears on the LCD screen before them. Unbeknownst to them, these same images are being broadcast live to the screen at location (b). 

Curious, a viewer at location (b) steps in front of the window and waves. The friends at location (a) are shocked to see an outline of someone waving to them. Where is this other person? 

Viewers at both locations interact with one another through the screen. They wave, dance and strike a yoga pose together across the city anonymously and in real time.