Client: Sesc Paulista

Overview

Mapped Empathies is an experimental research project that seeks to explore possibilities of adding new poetic layers into urban furniture through interactive digital technologies. We believe in the potential of a new technological urban furniture that improves the sense of collectiveness rather than solving only practical matters. In a time when hate speech and radical statements are increasing, we must design to stimulate empathy towards community empowerment. We must build emotive bridges, not walls. We must shape cities and citizens through love and affection.

Mapped Empathies shape resonates a cathedral that comfortably houses a small group of people that are unknown to each other. Citizens’ heartbeats were recorded in real time at the touch of a finger through sensors installed on the benches. This vital data was sent to speakers and lights that transform the architecture into a large sculpture of emotions. Every individual heartbeat can be heard, and then the generative music software gradually mixes and transforms the heart beats into a symphony driven by the vibrant pulse of life. Lights follow the same sensitive rhythm, creating effects that assist in the immersion process.

Goals

Mapped Empathies was designed to be open source, copyleft. To be reproduced anywhere, and then to be improved by the creative community and social entrepreneurs, stimulating digital fabrication, fablabs and a more collaborative production process.

The project was created following Universal Design principles, being as intuitive as possible and allowing the same democratic experience for all visitors, regardless of age, ability, physical disabilities or situation. Kids, elders, big or small, blind or deaf, on a wheelchair. We will all be connected through the exact same experience.