McGill University

Fall 2014

In collaboration with: Yvonne Liao, Danny Kim, Crystal Lee

Professor Michael Jemtrud & Mr. Ziad Ewais

 

Walking through a dark alleyway in a jungle of concrete buildings alone may be spooky and at times, unsafe. After studying various alleyways of the Golden Square Mile of Montreal, there are many aspects of the alleyway that hint at negativity, such as litter, the absence of light, smell, vandalized murals, etc.

 

In response to this phenomenon, a device was designed to connect the alleyways to the main streets of Montreal. This device has three parts to it: the two smaller installations have an ultrasonic sensor that detects movement within 10m of its distance. The larger installation sends and receives signals to and from the smaller installations.

 

When the first of three installations detect movement, it lights up in a pattern, and sends a signal to the other two installations placed 5m apart further down the alleyway. After a waiting time of 10 seconds, the next installation lights up, drawing attention to the person, urging him to move along the alleyway.

 

Through this installation, light and connection is brought upon the feared and isolated alleyways. With these installed throughout all of Montreal, alleyways would no longer be deemed unsafe, but fun and interactive.