V I S I O N A R Y     S I G H T S E E I N G    B I N O C U L A R S

A p r i l   3 r d - A u g u s t   2 n d ,   2 0 1 9                                                 

 P R O J E C T     D E S C R I P T I O N

This project consists of two altered sightseeing binoculars stationed on 10th and Vine and 12th and Vine Streets in Philadelphia, PA. They contain stereoscopic 3-D views of future versions of the neighborhood developments on the Vine Expressway and Viaduct in order to show, address and inspire future change within the landscape and infrastructure.
Each binocular contains 4 3-D images that can be changed by cranking a handle. The viewer either sees a past view of that same location or several future versions.
By placing a sightseeing binoculars in an unusual place, the passerby may wonder why it is there. The images were made by the community, for example school children, architecture students, artists and community groups, and Rebecca Hackemann.

A R T I S T I C     C O N C E P T

The sightseeing binocular normally signifies the site of a tourist attraction, a scenic point, usually with something far away to look at in detail. They often are accompanied by maps and plaques, so that the tourist can identify whatever he/she is seeing in the distance, be it a mountain range or a city skyline with landmarks an monuments. My sightseeing binoculars will offer a surprise when looked through in that they will not show the exact real world around the viewer, but will reveal an altered future version of the cityscape in front of them, that is part real, part fictional and in 3-D. This is to say that what the viewer sees will be indeed what is in front of him/her, but a different version of it, be it a past or future vision.

 V I S I O N A R Y     S I G H T S E E I N G    B I N O C U L A R  S- o t h e r   c i t i e s

A similar project is proposed for New York, that concentrates on Harlem, The Bronx, Brooklyn and East Chinatown. For more information, please contact Rebecca Hackemann here.