Introduction:

We chose the sculptures around UL as the focus for our project. Using methods such as
interviews and surveys. From our findings compiled them and used them to further our
ideation in the conception phase.

Description and overview of space:

On campus in UL there are a number of different sculptures each different and unique. Day
by day people pass them with a very small portion of them interacting with the spaces.
Setting out with the goal of creating interactive experiences we conducted research, first
searching for documentation on the sculptures individually and background research for
each artist. During our initial research we found roughly 10 sculptures. Since beginning our
project another sculpture has been added to campus, located in north campus of UL. Niche
is the first new sculpture to be added to the campus in 13 years. We didn’t include this in our
project as we didn’t see a chance to gain a good understanding of how people interact with
the sculpture. Our background research resulted in us gaining a larger knowledge and
appreciation for each of the pieces around campus. We founds out what influences the
different artists and the background behind the work itself.

Choice and justification of the methods used.

Focusing on the pieces found on main campus we set out with questions that we created
from first looking at the sculptures ourselves. Analyzing the pieces and brainstorming
different feedback about the sculpture allowed us to gain diverse pool of opinions that we
could create questions from. Using these questions then we went and forward and
interviewed and surveyed a variety of students. The reason for this was it allows us to gain a
vast amount of qualitative data. In the survey we also obtain some quantitative research
which provides us with a basic understanding of general information users have about their
surroundings.
 Sample of answers received from user survey

Reflection on Findings:
Our findings showed that there were various results, most of these results can be sorted into
two separate categories. Those that don’t care about the statues and those that care but
don’t know anything about them or wouldn’t necessarily go out of their way to find out about
them. Each response in our survey showed that people only knew the face value information
of each other the sculptures. That given nicknames were used throughout the campus body.
We also found that the population surrounding the sculptures had given them their own
functions. Serving as meeting points, lunch spots, landmarks and interest points for
campaigns. Primarily the sculptures are seen as adding something to the campus but most
people don’t acknowledge them recall information about them beyond their shape and
general location. When asked about their interactions with the sculptures people responded
saying that they only interacted with them when there was something going on, ie. when
things are added to the sculpture. We found that the reasons people interacted with the
sculptures were quite personal and revolved around themselves. Each interaction was to
further something about their personal lives or portray a particular image to their peers.

Reflection on Space, Activities and Users:

Taking our findings into consideration we worked on trying to figure out how to engage users
while also combining it with some element of an interactive experience that conveys
information. From the initial research we found the information that we thought would be
interesting, different facts about the sculpture and artists. From the user research we
explored how users interact with them and where opportunities lay and where they are
missing. Because we found that users are inherently more interested in themselves we
began thinking about how we can incorporate some aspect of interaction that revolves the
user feeling like they are accomplishing something to appeal to the social interaction.

Sample of answers received from user survey

Reflection on what you learnt from the understand phase of the process:
During this phase we learned various pieces of information about the sculptures from our
own research as well as the user research we conducted. We learned how a student body
can circulate opinions and how spaces can be linked to our everyday lives without being
inherently active in them. The everyday spaces of the sculptures are important yet also
mundane. With the ideation phase we are going to be using our findings from the research
phase to direct our work.
 Sample of answers received from user survey

What are your key findings that you will carry forward to the next phase:
Our key findings revolve around the users that we researched, we will use our sample pool
to create different personas and then from their answers as well look at the possible
interactions that they might have. From the user research we will also look at the types of
feelings that are evoked from the sculpture to show how we can incorporate them into an
experience that is both informative and creative to capture people's’ attraction.
Bilppar
Project -
Sculpture
Research
CS4047
Christian Tan
Matus Usiak
David Scully
Geometric Forms;
6 - Semi Crescent
Forms
Balanced, Natural,
Looks right - Appeals to
sense of symmetry and
placement

Alexandra Wejchert;
1921-1995
Nature disclosing
hidden harmonies
Healing Attitude,
Spiritual
Emotional and Feeling
Kinetic Sculpture;
5 - Silver Pencils
Moves through wind
creating a moving
sculpture

Peter Logan; 1943-

Spirit + Life +
Movement; Modern
Dance
Combines Art and
Science
Weather and Solar
aspects
Sundial;
MCMLXXV (1985)

Ken Thompson;
Inscription - Phoebus =
Apollo

“Whilst phoebus on me
shines then view my
shade and lines”

Need to do User
research
Salmon Fall;
Burnt Oak Material
French Limestone
In front of the river

Michael Warren;
1950-
Site Specific Pieces
Irish Artist
Historically +
Geographically
influenced
Gate Mates;
Wood pillars with stone
plates and metal fixings

Shane de Blacam;
1945-
Natural Material - wood
Earth
Resurgence;
- Revival, Recovery
Limescale

James McKenna;
Visual Arts + Literary
Leaf Litany;
Designed in conjunction
with the surrounding
area and Library

Tom Fitzgerald; 1939-

Also known as the
Tree of Life
Nature and
Astrological influence
Wall of Light - Sean Scully (1945 - )
From work - enjoys lines and alternating patterns
Plays with texture
Influenced from European Culture and Greek Architecture
Loose but structured pieces
Swimmers - Louise Walsh (???? - )
Single point support
Locationally influenced
Set rather than a piece
 Living Bridge
Wilkinson Eyre Architects,
London
Designed to imitate the flowing
of the river - movement
Has little sections that portray
islands - construction