Wood, glass, Arduino, LED.

February, 2020. Interactive Telecommunications Program, New York University.

Collaboration with Julian Mathews.

#bluelight is a prototype of a device to be installed in MTA subway globes in solidarity with anti-MTA, anti-NYPD protests against the fare hike and increased police presence in NYC subway stations.

Although the initiative of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the MTA was to decrease fare evasion by staffing more police officers, the high volume of NYPD in subway stations has led to several instances of arrests and police brutality based on racial profiling.

The now defunct globe lanterns outside of most MTA entry points would be outfitted with a device that glows blue with heightened police presence. A universal signal for the NYPD, the blue light illuminates to alert individuals when police are targeting fare evaders, before they enter the station. By collecting live data from Twitter’s API, the device is driven by community members submitting hashtags related to the specific subway station.