Polar Loupe

This project explores the environment-altering potential of polarization and birefringence. Visual Aids (loupes, lorgnettes, monocles, and glasses) are planted throughout the space.  When worn, the surface of the window is altered, turning from a uniform foggy grey to completely opaque.  Against this opaque surface, iridescent figural elements can be seen. These visual pieces are made from static cling film, and can be pushed over the surface of the window, changing its visual nature.  Without the lens, the effect is completely invisible.

In this way the visual aid creates two distinct 'spaces': the space of the light emitting window and the hidden, polarized surface of play and interaction between the visitors who discover it. The property of polarized light and its interaction with birefringent plastics allows these two distinct surfaces to be constructed and distinguished.