Comparative Graffiti Research:

Situated Benches

Project Summary:

This project will deploy multiple white benches around campus with attached markers to understand the variation of graffiti within different campus spaces.  This project intends to create a socially active bench that serves to induce conversation, written and vocal. 

Area of Intervention:

Slivers of unused land by the cognitive science building:  This area receives high traffic but offers no seating.

Mandeville plaza: near the visual arts building and the old student center.  High traffic and nearby eateries make this area an existing social space, with significant amounts of seating.

Warren Mall: a large open space on campus in the Engineering Quad.  These grassy areas are rarely used for socializing.

Effect of Intervention

Positives:

∑ Provide seating

∑ Activate unused campus space

∑ Provoke written dialog

∑ Provoke spoken dialog

∑ Triangulation (William Whyte)

Negatives:

∑ Produce unintended graffiti

∑ Expose passersby or children to inappropriate words, pictures or ideas

∑ Potential for wasted time

Schedule of actions needed to complete the project

1. purchase wood and paint

2. cut wood

3. purchase sharpie markers and velcro

4. paint board

5. assemble benches

6. document space prior to intervention

7. deploy benches

8. document space after intervention

9. document variance of graffiti in different campus locations

add dates to these actions…

how long will bench be left in public?

 Supplies List and Budget:

Tools:

I expect that the wood can be cut at dixieline or home depot according to specifications.  Otherwise, Mandeville woodshop could be utilized.

A portable electric screwdriver is needed, and may be borrowed or purchased ($30).

Some of the above materials, such as killz paint and screws may be shared with or obtained from other groups.

Participants:

Derek Lomas, second year graduate Student in Visual Arts with background in Cognitive Science.

Assisting will be other class members interested in building benches.  I will receive assistance transporting lumber from Dixieline lumber, constructing the benches, and deploying them on campus.   I also expect assistance documenting the effect of the project.