immaterials: light painting wifi by timo arnall + jorn knutsen + einar sneve martinussen immaterials: light painting wifi by timo arnall + jorn knutsen + einar sneve martinussen
feb 28, 2011

immaterials: light painting wifi by timo arnall + jorn knutsen + einar sneve martinussen

einar sneve martinussen demonstrating the measuring rod all images © timo arnall

timo arnall, jørn knutsen, and einar sneve martinussen have built a measuring rod for visualizing the immaterial wifi networks in cities. based on the idea of a surveyor creating maps, the trio’s work creates an abstracted cross section of the invisible networks and landscapes that are an integral part to how today’s cities function.

the 4m tall rod has 80 leds running the entire length that pulse and raise based on the strength of a selected wifi network. through time-lapse photography and three weeks in the grünerløkka area of oslo, norway, the pulsing lights create a physical representation of how different types of networks behave in their specific environments. the digital qualities we think of as network strength, consistency, and reach are shown as material manifestations reflecting the homes, businesses, and parks that the network is set up to serve.

the trio hopes to expand the research of these invisible landscapes to better understand our urban existence through other more widespread technologies including 3G, GSM and radio. martinussen is currently writing a book discussing how the interwoven nature of digital structures and physical environments directly effect people’s experiences on a material level.

immaterials: light painting wifi from timo on vimeo

detail of building the device

more images of light painting and details of their process on arnall’s flickr photostream. more info on their thoughts and theories behind this work at yourban

jonathan db
feb 28, 2011

  • Really like this. Some interesting ideas.

    md says:
    Feb 28, 2011

  • cool 🙂

    Andrew B. says:
    Feb 28, 2011

  • Very Exciting!

    AH says:
    Feb 28, 2011

  • try it while riding a skateboard

    ben says:
    Mar 01, 2011

  • Fascinating idea to map these landscapes. Sometimes we don’t even think of what is happening if we can’t see it.

    ocelot says:
    Mar 02, 2011

  • Great Work!!

    You may want to put a small wheel or something on the bottom of the led device. Save your arms from having to carry that stick all the time. you may also get a slightly more fluid graphing image in most cases.

    anonabean says:
    Mar 03, 2011

  • never mind. I just realized that it was intended no to have a wheel etc. It may impact the picture by leaving marks etc. like int he snow for instance… which may take away from the photos beauty

    anonabean says:
    Mar 03, 2011

  • are you kidding…. this technology has been founded in indonesia….. this is old school…..

    lee hendri.... says:
    Mar 04, 2011

  • really nice work

    vmr says:
    Mar 05, 2011

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