Tech Project
Description of the challenges faced by the Tech Project
Wavecom aims to develop creative solutions (construction of artistic prototypes) to cover / hide the equipment it installs in turn-key mode. Creating new offers at the visual impact level of the equipment needed for the implementation of communication systems. By reducing the visual impact of the box, antennas or other necessary media, Wavecom contributes to the artistic and cultural enrichment of the company's clients by offering creative and innovative solutions from the point of view of communications, but also in their physical aspect. The intention is to put artists to work the facilities and technological equipment as raw material, provoking the use of a wide range of materials little explored in the artistic field creating installations, sculptures, painting or other structures that personalize the technological facilities.
Brief description of technology
Wavecom is the manufacturer of Wavesys communications equipment. Wavesys technology is a flexible communications solution platform for IoT communications namely Smart City applications, providing, in a single box, several communication interfaces: 3G / 4G, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, LoRaWAN, BLE. In addition to the communications equipment itself, most turnkey implementations require the installation of overall solutions in urban, semi-urban or rural scenarios, consisting of the Wavesys equipment, antennas and mechanical accessories. We are looking forward the creative work of an artist on the conception of new ways to embed the technology in the urban/rural scenarios. We will put at the artist's disposal, for the development of his idea and his work, new box conceptions, all the physical equipment that is usually part of the installation or serve as a box stand, but also the possibility to add new concepts and features, in order to fulfill other goals, namely to make those structures a urban or rural peace of art, that stands as a point of attraction.
What the project is looking to gain from the collaboration and what kind of artist would be suitable
The creation of prototypes (sculptures, installations, paintings, illustration, among other possibilities depending on the chosen media) that can customize the technological equipment necessary for the operations of Wavecom, namely antennas and others, reducing their visual impact and transforming them into pieces of urban art, across a much wider range of styles and techniques. Challenging artists to use antennas, boxes and other support equipment to implement Wavesys technology as screens or work bases to reinterpret the new technological world in order to leave an artistic mark on all who observe their works that hide a virtual world connections and communications.
Resources available to the artist
Wavecom is located in Aveiro and also has offices in the Science and Innovation Park of Ílhavo, both in the district of Aveiro and 10 minutes from each other. The artist can work in any of these locations. In both there is internet connection. The design phase of the prototypes of the pieces will have to be made according to the material chosen by the artist and the project planning. Wavecom subcontracts the production of mechanicall structures to speciallized manufacturers which will be put at the disposall of the artist. Partnerships with companies in the production of design parts, such as graphics, may be possible. The artist will have a team of engineers, designers and technicians to team with. A budget of 10k€ will be available for consumables, 10k€ for equipment and 4k€ for travel.