Project 00 - Head in the Clouds

Project Description

The goal is to provide a relaxing natural area for those inside the bridge, while not obstructing the view of Penn Ave. On the inside, the area under the trusses on the lower level and the area above the trusses on the upper level would be covered by large LED screens. There could be LED displays on the side of the trusses as well. These screens would project moving nature scenes that contradict the outside weather: i.e. snow-capped mountains if it’s hot outside. There would also be motion activated lighting on the floor and ceiling along the windows that follow the user as they walk. This functions to personalize the scene and create a more individualized experience. A passerby has the option to stop at central kiosk and scroll through different scenes, including outdoor scenes of Pittsburgh. 

On the exterior of the bridge, there would be large LED screens that display the view of the sky as if one were able to see through the bridge. This is accomplished by using cameras mounted at various locations, then stitching the images together to create a continuous scene. The center section of the bridge will be left uncovered to give a floating illusion and to not completely distance the Google employees from the outside world. The main attraction for outside observers will be the underside of the bridge. It will have a large LED screen, and will show images that contradict the current outside weather as well as the current sky (displayed on the sides of the bridge): i.e., if it’s cold and snowy outside, the underside could show a bright blue cloudless sky, or it’s hot and sunny, the underside could show snowfall.

   To further this effect, large motion activated heating/cooling fans would be installed on the underside of the bridge on either side of the roadway. This would provide pedestrians a brief break from harsh Pittsburgh weather.   

Design Requirements

This design utilizes Google’s data analysis system, as Google uses weather data from multiple sources to determine their weather report, in addition to the cloud data from external cameras. It would also utilize image stitching, a technology currently being implemented in Google Photos. The natural scenes should produce a joyous experience for those in the offices. Employees can simply walk past the scene and it will acknowledge their movements, or they can choose a specific scene to experience. The outside of the bridge should function as a refreshing oasis from the elements for passersby. 

Bill of Materials

17 custom shaped outdoor LED displays (8 per side, 1 on bottom)

8 custom shaped indoor LED displays (4 per level)

Camera system

Air conditioner/heating unit

2 industrial fans

Motion sensors

LED lights

Very large installation & energy costs (maybe stick some turbines/solar panels on top)