MAY - JUNE - 2022CONSTRUCTIONTECHREVIEW.COM8IN MYOPINIONBy Raymond Kent, Principal, Innovative Technology Design Group, DLR GroupMEDIATECTUREWe live in a wired world saturated 24/7/365 with news, videos, music, social media, and more right in the palm of our hand. Companies bombard customers with ad-vertising, messages, and random thoughts in all formats­some direct, others sublim-inal. However, one major problem with this communication approach (among many) is that people are less likely to relate to the world around them on a more interactive personal level when they are buried in their devices. The solution for people, to experience where they are, could be mediated architecture.Having spent a large portion of my career in architecture, entertainment, and technology, I have witnessed my fellow architects spend months, if not years, designing interesting spaces for people to live, work, and play. And as an entertainment professional and technology designer, I spend my time creating new ways for people to be in a connected world in unique environments. Immersive ExperiencesThe explosion of digital signage, color-scrolling LED lighting, and projection offers an affordable way for companies to communicate with their customers by adding movement and sound. Like moths to the proverbial bug zapper­a person's eyes naturally travel to the light (or video monitor/projection screen). Taking that concept to the next step, and using the building or interior walls as the surface for the media instead of a monitor or projection screen, enhances the experience. Theme parks and museums around the world have been using this technique for decades, and it is quickly moving mainstream. Times Square in New York City is probably the most iconic example of this saturation of media. Another example of this type of communication is in the music industry. Independent music groups can lay tracks for their own album and film their own music video for little cost, while they leverage social media, connecting directly with fans about their every move. But what if that band could stream that creative process or a live concert right to the wall of inside a house, a venue, or the exterior of a building when the audience is half-way around the world? Audience members watching in their living rooms or other off-site venues could interact with other locations around the globe, as well as the musicians in real-time. This technology presents massive branding, marketing, and data collection opportunities. Technology giants are hard at work to make transporting the data over 5G networks in high definition, a seamless effort. And fast improvements in augmented and virtual reality allow for this type of remote interaction at a relatively low entry point for cost.Thoughtfully integrating technology into architecture Raymond Kent
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