Phone Talks
Interactive Installation, 2010 - ongoing
First installed at the Main Street Plaza in Pawtucket, RI
Digitally modified pay phone; micro-controllers, custom designed circuits & audio
Design and production by Laura Alesci and Dylan Greif
Assistant programming by Frederick Ostrenko
Phone Talks is a refurbished public payphone that is installed within a city's main street. The payphone invites people to listen and share stories about their city. Pawtucket, RI is the first of many cities that Phone Talks will visit.
We asked a handful of Pawtucket residents and professionals to share their personal stories and thoughts about the city's Main Street plaza. These compelling accounts are exhibited in the payphone. When the phone rings, pick it up and listen to stories from Pawtucket residents. You are also invited to call in from your personal phone to add and share your own story to the installation.
Phone Talks is an opportunity to revitalize underused public space through personal and collective narrative. The aim is to activate the existing urban landscape with the memories, stories, relationships, and ideas about its community.
Inside modified payphone
Pre-launch Poster for Phone Talks
Window Designs for Phone Talks
Refurbished and redesigned public payphone
View of Phone Talks on Main Street Plaza, Pawtucket, RI
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