IP-III

The work IP-III deals with the visualization of the intrinsic spatial qualities of the World Wide Web.

IP-III is a network installation that deals with the multi-dimensional visualization of the user’s presence. An intrinsic spatial structure of the World Wide Web should be developed which corresponds to the internet. The basic idea of this network installation is to create a "typical" internet space, which does not relate to geographical information as it usually does (although there is no geographical information in the IP-address itself), but instead derives directly from the internet-specific code of the IP numbers.
The binary code of the IP addresses will be transferred into coordinates in space, and in this manner can produce a 3-dimensional structure that corresponds to the inherent spatial language of the internet.
By using the online user as coordinates in space, the produced space modifies itself in real time, along with the behavior of its visitor. (through connecting and disconnecting)

The installation network project IP–III divides itself into two parts:
an online part that defines the project and the creation of virtuatl space in time at the webpage, and an installation part of the exhibition:
the sum total of both produces an overlay of virtual and real space. Through the user's online presence on the source website the he/she produces the corresponding points in space, which are perceived by the audience in the form of projected coordinates in space. Upon entering the installation the exhibition visitor physically finds him/herself in a virtual space produced by the online user. With the use of a joystick he/she can now move through the space (cf. a zoom-in and zoom-out rotation).

Part I / Website

The starting point of this endeavor is the festival or exhibition’s own website, whose frame is presented and should be indicated in the following as the source address. That is, all users, who are connected to this website, respectively their IP-numbers influence the network project in real time, and their data is utilized for the advancement of the process.
It is an advantage if the website can guarantee user traffic of at least 10 users at the same time, as the dynamic conduct of the space is defined by the number of users (connected and disconnected). If the user number decreases to two simultaneously present users, not enough points in space are available, resulting in the dissolution of the space.

Each online user who logs onto the source address automatically delivers data for the construction of the virtual space 'IP-III'.

The website www.IP-3.org allows an up-to-date view of the action pertaining to the above-described parallel/real space. The online user receives an overview of various data concerning the space: a pop-up window opens with a menu bar, which gives him/her a view into the current events.

- How many users are visiting the source website at the same time?
- How does the space look at the moment?
- Live footage of the inner room of the installation.
- Live footage of the outer room of the installation.
- Each individual coordinate in space can be selected.

At the tool-section different perspectives are offered to the user, allowing the space to be carefully analyzed online.

Part II / Exhibition visitor

The visitor enters the installation, offering him/her a projected space arising from the IP addresses, which are transfered by the online user, who is connected to the source website. The simulated space reacts and/or changes according to how many people are logged on, with the addition and subtraction of points in space (= IP addresses) in real time through logging on and off.

In opposition to the online part, the viewer can move through the simulated room by using a joystick, zooming in and out of the projected space.
These movements are transplanted onto all 4 synchronized projection surfaces, through which a powerful impression of space is formed.

A sound level forms itself in the installation space through the electronic translation of the binary codes into sound.

reverse projection
frontal projection

Installation

The outer dimension of the space installation corresponds to a square of ca. 17 x 17m, or 6 x 6m, respectively, depending upon whether one decides upon reverse or frontal projection.

The use of reverse projection is recommended, so that the projected image can be looked at free of interference (without the shadow of the visitor).
In order for the installation to be experienced through multiple perspectives the rectangular installation should be placed in the middle of the exhibition space.

The 4 projection screens hang from the ceiling about ca. 50 cm above the ground.
In doing so, the corners of the room remain open, allowing the admission of a bright passageway (1.0m in width) into the inner space for the visitor.

The 4 projectors hang from the ceiling as well. Each projector records onto a projection screen. In case the projected space is 4 x 3m, the necessary distance between the projector and the screen is 6m.
With the use of special objectives the distance would be reduced to 3m.