Electronic Gallery as a Generative Space towards the Contribution to Art and Design Students and the Learning Environment

E. Amir Sharji

Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Malaysia.

e-mail: elyna.amir@mmu.edu.my

Dr A. R. Mohamed Eshaq

Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Malaysia.

Abstract

The environment of Art and Design Faculty is a unique setting of traditions, beliefs, metaphors, concepts and ideologies that has been practiced and layered creatively as the years go by. Today, Art & Design schools are sprouting all over the world where each offers a different content and approach to the basic design syllabus. But this was not always the case. Traditionally artists learned as apprentices to other experienced artists and entered family business. Later they entered academies that flourished and evolved according to time and technology. The product of these schools often goes coherently with the education experience and learning environment. Looking at the evolvement of art schools, the issue that keeps protruding is whether we have a collective node or a common space that can collect, archive, exhibit and bring together all design activities in one multifunctional space.

Multimedia has brought new paradigms to education where users are able to use the technology to create compelling content that truly represents a new archetype in media experience. The synergy of digital media is becoming a way of life where new paradigms for interactive audio-visual experiences of all communicative arts to date are increasingly becoming important.

The Electronic Gallery or e-Gallery of Faculty of Creative Multimedia, Multimedia University is under exploration to see how the gallery as a versatile hybrid container is able to cater for an educative environment which is growing and expanding with time and technology. It began with a basic space with the purpose of holding exhibitions, but as time and need evolve, the requirements require the gallery to be more of a generative space that can initiate art activities and education by being a platform and vehicle in acquiring knowledge and to hold various functions such as demonstrations, exhibitions, performances, discussions, classes, critique sessions, installations, archiving and others. More new media art and exploration can be created and held due to the possibilities offered by the gallery through its multifunction ability, its location and strategic accessibility for design students, its multimedia tools and equipment to suit different user and display different content, its role as a node and to bring together students with same interest in art to display and discuss their work, and lastly to generate the atmosphere and create a setting by offering a versatile space.

Creative ideas to enhance the learning environment will provide students a better setting for the deliverance and experiential organization design students are associated with a given space, through electronic intelligence and functionality, will not only be more responsive and efficient, it will also be programmable for wider range of activities and new creative scenario for the art education.

1. Introduction

The meaning of generate refers to the act of bringing into existence of being and to produce something as a result of a process [1]. Space on the other hand means a blank or empty three-dimensional area provided for a particular purpose [2]. Thus the purpose of this paper is to research on generative space, what space is all about and in what ways it could generate art activities and education. Architectural and urban space act as containers to accommodate, separate, structure and organize, facilitate, heighten and even celebrate human spatial behavior. Space is also needed for a change of mood, to establish relationship, to separate activities, to suggest appropriate behavior and creates settings which consist of space, its surrounding and contents, the people and their activities [3]. Different space offers different purposes according to the needs and function of the organizing body while some space are unconsciously used for specific reasons due to strategic location and availability of users and means. A study on space reveals many astonishing types, function and category of space, namely physical, interior, exterior, conceptual, perceptual, multi sensory, perceptual psychological, pictorial, mental and virtual space [4].

At the Faculty of Creative Multimedia, the education syllabus implements a fusion of digital media and art with strong foundation of the understanding of traditional elements of art inclusive of lines, shape, texture and light, and also position, context, duration, sound, rhythm, color, temperature, size, motion, height, direction, interaction and meaning [5]. Students with fascination for electronic arts are encouraged to sharpen their skills and knowledge in analog art thus the keen notion in finding ways for students to upgrade their understanding by providing ample and well equipped spaces for the generation of art. At the same time, a high level of prominence is given to seek better quality in the electronic arts as they derive their energy and fascination from the relationship between artist and machine. Attempts to automate art are increasingly successful as developments take place in artificial intelligence, artificial creativity and artificial life. [6]

2. Research Objective

Research is conducted to investigate the purpose of the mentioned e-Gallery and what it aims to achieve in its generative concept. Started out as temporary exhibition unit during students’ Portfolio Review, the gallery has evolved into a permanent electronic multi purpose hub that caters to the art education environment and is still growing to accommodate current technological requirements. The art education scenario at the Faculty of Creative Multimedia deals with analog and digital category covering the basic foundation art studies and five major branches of digital media art such as Film and Animation, Digital Media, Media Innovation, Interface Design and Virtual Reality [7]. The fusion of information and educative knowledge has set the art faculty community in need of a common node or platform of collecting and dispersing of art activities, thus the vital function of e-Gallery as a transformer of space that generates current technological information and knowledge. The study is also carried out to find out how the gallery is able to serve the current situation and provide for the future with the incorporation of additional functions, content and technology.

FORM & SPACE

MULTIMEDIA TOOLS

GALLERY CONTENT

ART EDUCATION

ART STUDENTS & STAFF

COMMUNITY

Figure 1. Factors that are considered important in the planning and running of an e-Gallery and form the basis of this explorative study. The factors derived from literature review and past researches.

3. Methodology

3.1 Background Research

i. To analyze the location of e-Gallery in relation to the surrounding physical buildings and open space.

ii. To examine the function of e-Gallery towards contributing to surrounding spaces in the faculty.

iii. To identify the physical space and function, the aid of multimedia tools, the content, the users and the art activity in the e-Gallery.

iv. To discuss on how all contributing factor leads the e-Gallery to become a space generator for art community of the faculty.

3.2 Research Survey

i. Questionnaires were distributed to staff and students of the faculty as well as local and international visitors of the gallery.

ii. Interviews were conducted with Head of Departments and personals related to the gallery to investigate on benefits and problems associating with the art society and gallery.

4. Findings

After a set duration of time allocated for literature review, case studies and research survey consisting of questionnaires, interviews and experiments to controlled groups and settings, several important findings were recorded. They are divided into:

i. Diagrammatic linkage on e-Gallery and surrounding on space and function to analyze the relation and impact between space planning and location towards a generative art environment.

ii. Tabulation on e-Gallery’s function, aid of tools, content and users. This case study concentrates on the art education and activity that ensues in the gallery focusing on space function and activities.

5. Discussion

Figure 2. Relationship between buildings and open spaces that contribute to the advantages of e-Gallery being a generative space to the faculty.

It can be seen that the location of e-Gallery being right at the entrance of the faculty is at an advantage. The balanced percentage of open spaces and built up areas allow indoor learning activities to over flow to the atriums and foyers of the gallery. The pedestrian pathways that converge to one point at the gallery generates physical factor that leads people to the gallery. Small pockets of atrium ascend gradually as it approaches the open foyer creating an outdoor gallery area to cater for over flow of activity.

Physical Space	Open Space
surrounding e-Gallery
Set & Background Hall	Open Space
e-Theatre	Atriums
Design Studios	Entrance Foyer
Workshops	Recreational Atrium
Studio Labs
Production Area
Computer Labs
Administrative Office
Book Store
Art Shop
Café
Amneties

Figure 3. Correlation between e-Gallery and other spaces.

e-Gallery is supported by various multifunctional spaces essential to an art faculty. The location enables staff, students and visitors to pass by, acknowledge and participate in any events conducted. The planning of the buildings is linear with all blocks leading to the gallery resulting in an open space or entrance foyer in front of the gallery. This is in fact the main entrance to the faculty.

No.	Space	Function	Activity	Multimedia	Content	Human
				Tools		Interaction
1	Foyer	Welcoming Area	Introduction	Computer	Faculty	Human and
		Over Flow Area		Kiosk	Introduction	Machine
					5 Majoring
					Information
					www
2	Main Exhibition	Exhibition Purpose	Exhibition	Computer	Current	Human and
	Area	Official Reception	Reception	Video	Exhibition or	Machine
		Seasonal or Main	Multi Function	Projector	Function	Human and
		Exhibition		Audio Visual		Human
		Multi Functional
		Area

3	Analog Exhibition	Analog Art Works	Exhibition		Student and	Human and
	Area	Painting	Archiving		Staff's Art	Art Works
		Sculpture			Works	Human and
						Human
4	Presentation	Presentation on the	Presentation	Computer	Faculty	Human and
	Area	Faculty or any	Discussion area	LCD Screen	Introduction	Human
		Related Function		Projector	5 Majoring	Human and
					Information	Tools
					www
					Related
					Function
5	Discussion	Informal Discussion	Discussion			Human and
	Area	Mini Class				Human
6	Demonstration	Demonstration	Demonstration	Computer	Demonstration	Human & Tools
	Area		Presentation	Projector	Information	Human and
				Screen		Human
7	Temporary	Temporary	Exhibition	Computer	Temporary	Human and
	Display Area	Seasonal			Works	Machine
						Human and
						Human
8	Digital Interactive	Exhibition	Exhibition	Computer	Archiving	Human & Tools
	Area		Surfing Information	Touch Screen
			Games

Figure 4. Tabulation on e-Gallery's Space and Function, Aid of Tools, Content and Users.

Activities that have been generated by the space includes exhibitions by staff and students of the faculty, seasonal and temporary exhibitions by invited artists, interactive and archived information for any users, presentations and demonstrations using the multimedia tools and projections, discussions, mini classes and talks organized for an appropriate number of audience. It is in current planning to add to the activities, educational happenings such as more installations of digital media, more interactivity in games and tools of transferring knowledge, more virtual reality and space simulators and the advancement of delivering basic information and knowledge so as to enhance it to become more creative and interesting. The activities can be enhanced if the allocated spaces are prepared and designed to accommodate them with implementation of modern technology.

6. Conclusion

A checklist consisting of attributes that influence and benefit essentially and fairly as well as disadvantage factors that does not contribute to the gallery in generating a hybrid hub for the art society is the key factor of conducting the study. The analysis derives from the questionnaires that were distributed and interviews conducted.

Checklist of Attributes that Contribute to e-Gallery to Enhance It
to Become a Generative Space for Art Education and Activities
No	FORM & SPACE
1	Size of physical space is important and is determined by the functions and activities
	allocated.
2	The spaces can be divided into:
	i. Permanent and Temporary Exhibitions
	ii. Presentation Area
	iii. Demonstration Area
	iv. Discussion Area
	v. Analog Exhibition Area
	vi. Digital Exhibition such as VR, Simulators, Installations, Interactive Games
	and Archiving Database
3	The diversion is needed for better concentration of activities.
4	All spaces should be equipped with appropriate multimedia tools and gadgets with
	current technology.
5	The spaces should be accessible with proper planning with public and private spaces
	as well as spaces with high-end equipment should be under full security.
6	Adequate amenities should be provided for breaks such as café, resting area,
	wash rooms and outlets.
7	Libraries, reading room, surfing centre and such are a bonus if applied.
8	Multi Functions can all happen at the same time if different spaces are provided.

No	MULTIMEDIA TOOLS
1	All multimedia tools should be installed after a detailed survey on the functions.
2	Current technology in hardware and software should be applied where appropriate.
3	Number of usable tools for visitor's usage should be an ample number for comfort.
4	A variety of tools are needed to ensure creativity and outputs from students.

No	CONTENT
1	Content can be divided into:
	i. Analog Exhibition
	ii. Digital Exhibition
	iii. Archiving Database
	iv. Information about the Faculty
	v. Information on the 5 Majoring Offered
	vi. Interactive Activities such as Games, VR Simulation etc.
	vii. A channel to hyper link to other Art Community Centre.
2	Sufficient content will ensure satisfaction of different groups of user such as:
	i. Students
	ii. Staff
	iii. Local Visitors
	iv. International Visitors
	v. Art & Design Corporate Departments
3	Different level of age, gender and background group of visitors should be the main
	criteria for preparing content.
4	Content are also designed for different functions such as:
	i. Education
	ii. Entertainment
	iii. Art and Design Activities
	iv. Corporate and Management purpose

No	ART EDUCATION & ACTIVITIES
1	Identify what art activities should be held at the gallery.
2	Identify the space needed, the tools required and who will participate.
3	Activities that can be performed as such:
	i. Brainstorming or Discussion of Ideas and Projects.
	ii. Critique Sessions
	iii. Presentations and Installations
	iv. Exhibitions
	v. Archiving
	vi. Workshops and Seminars

No	ART STUDENTS AND STAFF COMMUNITY
1	Comfort and ability to concentrate on each function is essential.
2	When designing the space, allocation of human anthropology, human comfort space
	and human interaction requirements should be taken into consideration.
3	For exhibitions, all art works either analog or digital should be exhibited and installed
	for a targeted number of visitors at one time. A study on human comfort to use one
	particular space for a function at one time should be analyzed.
4	To create a community hub needs proper research
	on how to make the space work through:
	i. Activity
	ii. Multimedia Tools & Equipments
	iii. Space
	iv. A communicative community of same interest group
	v. Advertising and promotions

Figure 5. Checklist of Attributes that Contribute to e-Gallery to Enhance It to Become a Generative Space for Art Education and Activities.

e-Gallery generates not only basic activity found in an art gallery but more towards place setting in a campus where it creates more educational and social activities through its existence. The community is able to make use, participate and interact with the new ideas that transform an empty space into multifunction usable vicinity. The paradigm shift not only takes place indoor, but it subconsciously generates ideas and opportunities for the faculty and visitors in upgrading creativity, education and knowledge, use of multimedia tools to assist teaching and mode of exhibition and above all, it activates a society that is in need of a communal node to talk and discuss art. The exploration that has been done and in progress research translated into the checklist shows that the implementation and upgrading of all key factors may need more gallery space to accommodate more activities and creative functions as more multimedia tools are needed for a variety of purposes, especially the specific need of each faculty majoring.

References

1. Houghton Mifflin Company (2000), The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition, Houghton Mifflin Company.
2. Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (2002), Merriam-Webster, Inc.
3. Lawson B. (2001), The Language of Space, Architectural Press.
4. Ooi G.L. and Thomas T.W. in Chua B.H. & Edwards N. (1992), Public Space, Singapore University Press.
5. Buick J. in Mealing S. (1997), Computers & Art, Intellect Books.
6. King M. in Mealing S. (1997), Computers & Art, Intellect Books.
7. http://www.mmu.edu.my