SUMMARY
The Greenport Camera Obscura is a unique public structure that many people walk past without ever noticing. It’s closed, underfunded, and fading from local memory. Our team set out to change that by creating a low-cost, community-driven kit to bring attention back to the site. Through hands-on tools like a mobile demo and a flip-through booklet, we helped people understand what the Camera Obscura is and why it matters. We hope this project encourages the community to get involved and gives the Village Board a reason to invest in its future.
challenge
We discovered that most people don’t know what the Greenport Camera Obscura is or that it even exists. It has no staff, no visibility, and limited support from the Village Board. Through conversations, field research, and feedback sessions, we identified three core gaps: a lack of public awareness, no structured way for people to get involved, and minimal operational upkeep. These challenges presented an opportunity to reconnect the community to the space and show its value through participation, not just funding.
Outcome
Our final concept is an operational start-up kit that can be distributed in various locations and settings. It made up of low-cost, replicable tools that raise awareness, invite participation, and support basic maintenance. It includes a mobile demo model, educational flashcards, and sign-up materials for donations and volunteering. Each piece is designed to be approachable and easy to use, helping the community learn about and engage with the Camera Obscura. The kit gives the Village Board a low-risk way to test public interest and take a first step toward restoring the site.
MEET THE Designers:
Kelly Li
Dean Tung
Richard Harison