Oculus

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OCULUS is a spatial experience, on the intersection of architecture and media arts.

As part of the Third Istanbul Biennial, the audiovisual installation was presented in a performance that blended digital technology with spatial design, forming a synthesis between the past and the present within the magical atmosphere of the historical Single-Dome Hall of the Imperial Arsenal.

Taking the Single-Dome Hall of Tophane-i Amire as the focal point, OCULUS uses contemporary interpretations to alternate between old and new, whole and fragment, real and virtual, balanced and unbalanced states. Notions of time and space becomes blurred and the exhibition surrounds the visitors, offering them an unusual spatial experience.

As the prominent architectural element of the Single-Dome Hall, the dome itself is the starting point of the main idea. The installation is further developed by the inverse “light dome” which simulates the historical dome. In contrast to the perfection of the dome geometry, the “light dome” has been planned as an edifice which forms a dialogue with the historical building through its contemporary interpretation. The audiovisual performance uses the newly-produced dome as a background and through referrals to the dome, integrates the content with the spatial atmosphere and thus re-interprets the space. The visitors go back and forth between real and virtual spaces through the movements of surrounding light and sound.

Starting from the permanent character of architectural projects, the movement emphasizes the progressive outlook of the architectural office towards the future. It also aims to disconnect the visitor’s perception of the moment and the space. While the dome’s existing architectural and acoustical characteristics are accentuated by sound and light, with the constant movement on the transparent “light dome”, the past blends with the present and becomes integrated as notions of time and space intertwine.