Interactive computer installation
Austrian Pavilion, La Biennale di Venezia, 1995

Opaque acrylic glass, live camera, video projector, mirror, Silicon Graphics onyx computer, Silicon Graphics Extreme 2

Software design: Gideon May

With the interactive video/computer environment, Body Scanned Architecture, presented at the Venice Biennale, Ruth Schnell explores a classic interface concept between real architecture (from the Hoffmann pavilion) and imaginary architecture, primarily based on virtual shaped elements by visionary architect Friedrich Kiesler.* A projection screen works as the interface between real space and cyberspace. A virtual camera moves helically over the virtual architecture landscape. The observer´s body is captured by a video camera. Its image on the screen serves as a moving three-dimensional window through which the observer can get a glimpse of the imaginary architecture, which is grounded in absent space (atropia, utopia).

Peter Weibel, in: Ruth Schnell oder der Körper als Schnittstelle zwischen realen und virtuellen Räumen [Ruth Schnell or the body as an interface between real and virtual spaces]

*Friedrich Kiesler went into exile, while Josef Hoffmann, a sympathizer of Austro-Fascism, was honoured in Austria.

Exhibitions:
1999, Zeichenbau, Künstlerhaus, Wien (AT)
1995, 46th Biennale di Venezia, Austrian Pavilion, Venice (IT)