We tied 20.000 feet of string (6 colors) to the houses, each color of string representing a specific connection that exists between neighbors. On this street, each house has approximately twenty-five individual connections traveling to the other neighbor's houses. We used trees as 'routers' and 'hubs' to direct longer lines.
Mapping the connections between neighbors successfully tapped into both the history, and patterns outlining social interaction, on Farnsworth Street. It also directly affected residents, who realized just how closely knit their community is. They engaged in conversations by tracing their personal routes along Farnsworth Street, and spontaneously started explaining the installation to passers-by.
This type of mapping can be used as a tool in an unknown neighborhood to reveal connections that provide social structure and information. It is a method that involves each resident, on a personal level, as well as focusing on the collective whole. The three-dimensional installation itself provides a temporary, tangible image of these, mostly subconscious, connections.
Soon, we will cut the map down. It was our first step toward exploring social-residential structures, and neighborhood regeneration in shrinking cities. A lot of ideas are spreading about what to do with the leftover string, including making a giant ball, knitting a sheath for a new ethernet hub or composting it.
We're open to suggestions!
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