A project exploring transitory ad-hoc networks and the potential for unexpected connections between people in public space.

About

UMBRELLA.net focuses on the theme of "networks of coincidence" — how shared yet disconnected activities can be harnessed into collective experiences. The project examines how the haphazard and unpredictable patterns of weather and crowd formation can act as an impetus to examine coincidence-of-need networks, in particular when umbrellas are opened and closed in public space.

Process

The project creates a system of ad-hoc network nodes that spontaneously form and dissipate based on weather conditions, highlighting informal relationships between strangers sharing the same moment in urban space.

Achievements

Umbrella.net was awarded the Araneum Prize by the Spanish Ministry for Science and Technology. The artwork is featured in Internet Art by Mark Tribe and Rena Jana.