The Interpretive Engine is now live! Part of a series of site-specific projects organized by the Fresno Metropolitan Museum, this location-based narrative relies on Wi-Fi to tell a story specific to user location. Mapping and astronomy resources, environmental data, local google, etc., provide a bridge between the story and the physical location. The negotiation of remote databases uncovers larger issues of social control and power among governmental, commercial, and public interests. Project Details...

The story unfolds in three chapters at three locations. The first chapter SANTA FE DEPOT is available anywhere at any time through any Internet connection. The other 2 Chapters can only be accessed through the free wi-fi connections onsite at their respective locations – the Fulton Mall* (including inside Caffe Fulton on the Fulton Mall) and the the Revue Café on East Olive St in Fresno.

Once onsite, get online with their free wi-fi connection, and click on LAUNCH PROJECT on this webpage. The site-specific chapters will load automatically. Laptops for your use are provided for your use at Caffe Fulton on Thursdays from noon - 2 p.m., and at Revue Cafe Thursdays from 4 - 7.45 p.m. Or you can bring your own laptop with wi-fi to these 2 locations during their open hours:

Caffe Fulton is open Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Revue Café hours:
Monday- Thursday 7:00 a.m. -11:00 p.m.
Friday 7:00 a.m. - midnight
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - midnight
Sunday 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

*The Fulton Mall offers free public wi-fi access anytime, within one block of the clocktower where Fulton Mall and Mariposa Mall meet.

34 North 118 West is a Southern California based collective focusing on site specific experimental works utilizing digital media, computation, and internet resources. Through telecommunications and mapping tools, one of their concerns is to call to light the debate around control of and access to information. Their work has been shown at Futuresonic <4> (Manchester, UK), the LA Freewaves Festival (Los Angeles), and the Art in Motion in Festival (Los Angeles). Naomi, Jeff, and Brandon are affiliated with the Interdisciplinary Computing Arts Program at University of California San Diego. Email them: info (at) 34n118w.net

The early history of the telecommunications and transportation industries inspires this story, told by 6 characters. In the Industrial Era communications, navigation, and transportation systems existed side by side in an interdependent network. These technologies as well as the profound philosophical, theological, and social shifts that ushered them in play a role in this story. More historic information relevant to The Interpretive Engine. More historic and technical info connected with The Interpretive Engine can be found on our Links Page

This project was made possible through the support of The Fresno Metropolitan Museum, The Digital Research Unit at the Media Center in Huddersfield, U.K., and The Integrated Media Program at The California Institute of the Arts. Special thanks to Susanneh Bieber, Tom Holley, and Tom Leeser.

The Fresno Metropolitan Museum Exhibitions Page
Other projects by 34 North 118 West
Contact us: info (at) 34n118w.net