While we wandered through Melbourne Central it was hard to ignore the immense amount, and variety of media products and services that surround the building and it’s visitors. Even during a 45 minute exploration of the building, we were able to identify/notice a large range of media in a variety of locations. Below these media ‘pieces’ are listed:
- The large display screen on the building’s exterior (somewhat reminiscent of Times Square)
- Interactive information screens (displaying shop information, news, etc.)
- The ‘Giant Clock’ installation (both visual and auditory)
- ‘Analogue’ information signs (directions to stores, toilets, the train station, etc.)
- Warning signs (on escalators, floors, etc.)
- Maps, displaying the location of shops and areas within the complex
- Pamphlets and Brochures being handed out
- Shot Tower #’s (promoting the never ending stream of Shot Tower photos)
- Music from stores
- MX Magazine
- Cinemas (which display films, trailers, advertisements, etc.)
- URL’s for various websites (eg: melbournecentral.com.au)
- Interactive Advertisements
- A hand painted advertisement/art installation for Nike shoes
- Various Art Installations
It certainly seems clear that today, screens of all shapes and sizes are becoming a more dominant aspect of our ‘urban environment’. As seen below, screens now wrap around buildings and take up entire walls – ensuring that those who walk past notice them. While Melbourne doesn’t have its own Times Square or Hachiko Crossing, perhaps in future years these kind of landmarks will become more common around the world.
During this exercise, I found myself actively searching for things to ‘notice’ with more focus then normal. I consider myself to be fairly observant in most aspects of life, however, when the task of ‘intentional noticing’ was set, I think I spent more time closely examining and analysing visual/auditory stimuli. If I continue to challenge myself to ‘intentionally notice’ more (hopefully) – this task should become more fluid and automatic (as suggested by this weeks reading).
I don’t really have a relevant video to share for this post so I’ll just link to a travel/experimental video titled ‘Watchtower of Turkey’. It offers a really amazing glimpse into the life and culture of Turkey and the whole thing is edited and really, really well. There’s also some great ‘hyper-lapse’ footage in there as well. Give it a watch.