SUMMARY
The Greenport Camera Obscura is a hidden gem. While it offers a unique and memorable experience in a prime location, it goes unnoticed by the public due to its unassuming appearance and limited marketing. We set out to change this by offering a calming sensory experience that invites guests to engage with the camera in a more purposeful way. Our project encourages people to slow down, see differently, and reconnect with their surroundings, turning the Camera into a meaningful space for both locals and visitors.
challenge
We identified a gap in community engagement with the Camera Obscura, especially during Greenport’s off-season. Stakeholders expressed concern over a limited local interest and a lack of programming. After doing interviews, site visits, and digging into research, we saw an opportunity to reimagine the space as a calming, sensory experience. It preserves the magic of the Camera while giving both locals and visitors a new, meaningful way to connect with it.
Outcome
Our project invites guests to step inside the Camera Obscura, slow down, and see differently. It transforms the structure from a nondescript shed into a space for stillness, discovery, and personal reflection. By encouraging visitors to pause and engage with their surroundings, it offers a meaningful public experience, supporting locals navigating transitions like school, parenthood, or seasonal stress, and repositions the Camera Obscura as a site of mindfulness and connection.
MEET THE Designers:
Laura Kupper
Uyen Hoang
Daniela Rodriguez