Making Ambient Spaces into Playgrounds

Ambient spaces are characterized by sensors, which allow detailed observation of visitors and inhabitants, and by displays and actuators that allow the system to react to the observed behavior. Starting from a general ambient space, we are working towards an interactive environment that invites and seduces people to interaction with each other and with the environment. We aim at “play” rather than at “game”; the visitor has no obligation to interact with the system, nor is there any specific goal to reach or task to complete.