Premise

Google acquired the Milk Studios building in May 2019 as part of its effort to expand office space in New York City. They wanted to create an intimate waiting and lounge space for visitors that recreated the urban feel of the city, but with a playful Google touch. Deeplocal was tasked with creating this space. The installation depicts a street scenes. It’s centered around a functional newspaper machine that users can interact with. Inserting a custom Google coin into the machine triggers the experience; users then interact with the machine via a touch screen while dynamic content is displayed on screens embedded into the wall and on an illuminated Google Cloud street signal. At the end of the sequence a user can open the machine to find a small prize.

My Role

I managed and led all engineering efforts on this project, directing mechanical engineers, fabricators and technicians in customizing and wiring the exhibit. I specced all components that went into the installation. I personally retro-fitted the touch screen into the front of a re-purposed newspaper machine. I designed and fabricated the dynamic Google Cloud sign using an LED matrix and an industrial walk signal. I designed and built a custom coin mechanism with a beam break sensor for coin detection. I designed a PCB to control the entire thing. Lastly, I installed the exhibit in New York City.