The city of Detroit tends to get a bad rep and has undergone numerous restorative efforts by city planners and celebrities to improve its reputation -- among those is the Memory Cloud Detroit online gallery.
In 2011, design studio Minimaforms commissioned an outdoor art installation where visual representations of text messages from residents were displayed in a public forum using illuminated smoke signals. By showcasing the inner thoughts that the public have about issues directly affecting their lives, the hope was to garner insight into how to revamp the city. The overwhelming response prompted the creators to document the outcome.
The website features photos, videos and quotes compiled from the residents of Detroit, Michigan and their thoughts on the past, present, and the future of their city.
Society-Enhancing Smoke Signal Photos
The Memory Cloud Detroit Online Gallery is Inspiring
Trend Themes
1. Interactive Art Installations - Creating interactive art installations that engage the public and encourage expression can be used as a tool for understanding community perspectives.
2. Crowdsourced Insights - Gathering insights from the public through crowdsourcing methods can provide valuable information for improving cities and addressing community concerns.
3. Memory Preservation - Platforms that allow individuals to share their memories and thoughts can contribute to preserving collective memories and facilitating conversation about the past, present, and future.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Design - The art and design industry can explore innovative ways of using technology to create interactive installations that facilitate community engagement.
2. Urban Planning - Urban planning professionals can utilize crowdsourced insights to inform their decision-making processes and address community issues effectively.
3. Digital Platforms - Platforms that facilitate memory sharing and community conversations have the potential to disrupt traditional media and communication industries.