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1 manfred h. vogel ting: technology and democracy

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32 ting: technology and democracy norsk teknisk museum oslo, norway general planning & exhibition design: Ralph Appelbaum Associates Berlin concept: Ralph Appelbaum Associates Berlin Norsk Teknisk Museum TAMSCHICK MEDIA+SPACE GmbH content: Norsk Teknisk Museum media design, interaction programming and production: On the occasion of the Norwegian Museum of Technology s 100th anniversary the participatory exhibition TING invites visitors to explore the complex relationships between technology and democracy. A basic wooden cube, analogous to the digital pixel, becomes a haptic tool for visitors to trigger digital interactions within the exhibition and the Ting. A television transmitter, a military rifle, an industrial robot, and an early computer showcase the historical, cultural, and political uses of technology. It quickly becomes clear that evaluating technology is complex and that there is not just one meaning or truth. The Ting, which in its ancient form was a circular space, usually with a table at its center where governing assemblies would put things up for discussion, has been transformed and reinvented. Surrounding the Ting table, a 25-meterwide, 5-meter-high shelf displays 100 objects and at the same time functions as a 180 projection surface. Visitors explore the shelf with the interactive tablets or by placing the wooden cubes on the table, simultaneously bringing the objects to life and immersing themselves in the spirit and history of these technologies. The Ting becomes a discursive social space where dramatic object displays and immersive and interactive media work hand in hand to facilitate a participatory experience in which the visitor is at the center. Eight controversial objects are put up for discussion and voting at the Ting. Each one of these revolutionary technologies is introduced with a short film narratively illustrating the object s past, current, and possible future impacts on democracy and society. A moderator starts the Ting session. Five questions are discussed and voted upon for each piece of technology. Visitors use their wooden cubes or the tablets to place their vote. The voting results are translated into real-time-generated graphics, and the moderator facilitates the group in discussing the outcome. At the end of each Ting session, the final results of all five questions are displayed and discussed. Past results of previous sessions appear as a cumulatively growing landscape that dynamically changes over the duration of the exhibition. Visitors can express their thoughts and opinions one last time by either scanning the bar code with their smart phone or using the tablets. Their comments immediately appear on the shelf, adding up over time and generating a multifaceted, democratic voice. Visitors cast a final vote on th concluding question: Is it possible to control technological development in a democracy? As they leave their cubes behind, the cumulative result evolves over the many cycles of the Ting. The exhibition was designed and produced in collaboration with the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology & Tamschick Media + Space GmbH. TAMSCHICK MEDIA+SPACE GmbH sound-design, composition: BLUWI Music and Sounddesign GbR exhibition production: Norsk Teknisk Museum

33 ting: technology and democracy is part of my professional portfolio thank you (in alphabetical order) Norsk Teknisk Museum / Ralph Appelbaum Associates Berlin / TAMSCHICK MEDIA+SPACE / all photos made in oslo, norway by manfred h. vogel for the great inspiration and work. mhvogel.net architecture editorial scenography

34 manfred h. vogel photographer berlin based, assigned internationally. 20years+ professional experience. interested in conntexts, surfaces and structures. curious about the odd. focus on temporary and permanent architecture, theatre, scenography, exhibitions and on editorials linked to these themes. still and moving images. contact: t: i: e: