Hidden Networks: Über verborgene Ökosysteme in der Stadt

"Hidden Networks" is a collaborative project in the first semester of the Master's program. Divided into four groups, the students are tasked with designing mobile digital stations, employing Raspberry Pis as the primary device for the project. Each of the four projects focus on themes of cohabitation and ecology within an urban context. The stations are located at various public venues throughout the inner city of Mainz. Participants could come to the hotspot station and connect their phones to the Wi-Fi network to explore the different projects. These encompassed games, motion tracking, and informative websites, showcasing a diverse range of coding, illustration, and design techniques. The stations were opened from April 25th to May 10th 2024.

The four stations

A LOT - Platz für Begegnung und Natur

This station focuses on the use and design of urban spaces. It invites visitors to consider how city areas are utilized and what alternative uses could be explored. In the interactive game "A Lot," parking spaces can be transformed into vibrant community spaces for relaxation, meeting friends, observing insects, or repairing bicycles.

FLOURISH – Ein Spiel über heimische und invasive Pflanzen

This station provides information about native and invasive plant species and their impact on the ecosystem. In the collaborative game "Flourish," visitors learn the differences between these plant types and discover how they can contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

MATTERS IN MOTION – Exploring Urban Collectives

What moves through urban space? From cars to drones, from dogs to bats and insects, from storms to sunlight. All of these penetrate and alter the space. The impact of this urban collective is rarely acknowledged.

"Matters in Motion" provides a playful approach to questioning urban space design. It explores how we move through the city, what we experience, what we might overlook, and how we can improve urban design. The project poses these and other questions, making the self-efficacy of individuals visible through their movement in an interactive manner.

[S]POTTED – Wildpflanzen für dein Zuhause

This station promotes a balance between nature and urban living by raising awareness about the threats to insects and their habitats. Visitors can learn about native wildflowers and take free plants to grow plants on their balconies, windowsills, or gardens, thus enhancing the habitat for insects.

Corporate Design

The "Hidden Networks" project encapsulates a series of four interconnected initiatives, each focusing on themes related to urban living and ecological sustainability. This overarching concept unifies the individual projects, emphasizing their collective aim to enhance urban environments through eco-friendly solutions.

In essence, "Hidden Networks" is not just a series of projects, but a unified movement aimed at transforming urban living spaces into more sustainable, vibrant environments. The spray motif and the hidden textual elements symbolize the underlying connections that bind these efforts together, highlighting the power of collective action in fostering urban renewal and ecological harmony.

Poster

A distinctive feature of the "Hidden Networks" project is its innovative poster design. Each poster within the series contains a hidden representation of the name "Hidden Networks," seamlessly integrated into the artwork through a spray-paint motif. This artistic choice not only embodies the essence of urban street art but also serves to symbolically link the projects together. The spray-paint effect is deliberate, evoking a gritty, authentic urban feel that resonates with the themes of modern city life and environmental consciousness.

The interconnectedness of the posters visually and conceptually represents the synergy between the four projects. Just as the name "Hidden Networks" subtly weaves through each poster, the projects themselves are interlinked, each contributing a vital component to the overarching narrative. This visual metaphor illustrates how the initiatives collectively form a cohesive whole, embodying the spirit of community and collaborative effort.

Flyer

The "Hidden Networks" flyer features a detailed map highlighting the four station locations in Mainz. It includes step-by-step instructions on how to connect with the interactive devices and provides essential information about each project. This guide ensures you can easily navigate and engage with the innovative urban and ecological initiatives.

Web design

The "Hidden Networks" website is designed with a mobile-first approach, ensuring seamless navigation and optimal user experience on smartphones and tablets. This mobile-friendly design allows users to effortlessly explore project details and access interactive maps. Additionally, the website features a fun spray-paint cursor effect, adding a touch of urban flair and interactivity that reflects the project's corporate design. Check out our Hidden Networks Website!

Social Media

The "Hidden Networks" Instagram posts and reels feature spray-paint animation that runs through the entire carousel. This animation connects the posts, showing how the slides are linked. The spray effect ties everything together and makes it easy to follow the post along. Instagram reels and posts of Hidden Networks on the flora.abcdarium and design_rpl

What a journey!

We worked tirelessly on the Hidden Networks project, with everyone pitching in to make it a reality. Whether it was the individual group task or Hidden Networks, we were thrilled with the outcome. There were moments of joy, stress, and even tears, but the journey was beautiful and rewarding.