Arch-OS

The last example of streaming that we have studied is the Arch-OS system incorporated into the Portland Square building of the Plymouth University. Arch-OS is built as an operating system for contemporary architecture which monitors the building and stores the data which can then be manipulated to provide a manifestation of the life of the building. In particular this allows the ecological aspects of the building to be studied enabling a more environmentally friendly building to be developed. By being able to access this data the building can become more dynamic as well as allowing for the production of works which are able to demonstrate the life of the building and improve awareness of occurences within it.

There are a number of different types of data that are available from the Arch-OS system. These are vision data, web traffic data, BMS(building management system) data and the network traffic data. Some of this data is complied together as part of the live data stream which updates every 5 seconds (see right). Data in the live stream includes temperature, humidity, wind-speed, electricity and CO2 levels. This is a big benefit as it means that any installments made that work from this data is relevant at the specific time at which it is viewed as it is using up-to-date data.

The Arch-OS system has already been used for many different projects. These include a number of visualisations of the data that is available (see data screensaver left), as well as uses of sounds around the atria. The Noogy project (mentioned below) was also incorporated with the Arch-OS system so that Noogy portrayed elements of the environment. For example the wind data was used to animate Noogy's hair so that it was as if his hair was blowing in the wind. This convergence of the GreenScreen and the Arch-OS system is particularly interesting, as by doing this the building was given a public personality that provided a realistic and dynamic portrayal of the environment.

Overall the Arch-OS system is a unique and intriguing source of data. By streaming the data live from the building, and then developing this into a dynamic real-time visual or audio projection a new awareness is raised of the building's hidden changes and developments, as well as raising awareness of ecological elements and encouraging changes in peoples behaviour to suit the building and the environment better. This is particularly interesting as it suggests a reversal of roles between the building and its inhabitants, in which the inhabitants are able to take a more active role in using the building and are able to see the results.