SABBATICAL Interface Design

by Denis Gadbois

My sabbatical took place in two distinct locations. From July 95 to Dec 95. I had an office in the department of Industrial Design at the University of Montreal. From January 96 to June 961 was located in Lyon, France at the Ecole Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'Etats. Besides my academic participation at both locations. I was able to conduct research in three areas: multimedia, lighting and history. The final products will consist of interfaces (computer interactive software delivered on CD-ROM.) The first interface was designed with the collaboration of all members of the Ecole Nationale des Travaux Publics de l'Etat in Lyon, France, in particular Dr Marc Fontoynont and Dr. Dominique Dumortier. With the use of scientific images, video and Quicktime VR, I have designed an interface for academic purposes in the area of lighting and radiation. The interface is now currently used at ENTPE and is used in a travelling exhibit across Europe. The second interface was prepared to introduce the work of the architecture firm Perrault & Gadbois who practiced in the Montreal area from 1921-1947. Since there are no surviving archives, this interface forms the primary source of information on the architect Joseph-Romeo Gadbois and the record of a major Outremont practice. It includes 107 photographs, 23 drawings and blue prints, biographical notes based on interviews, a limited number of historical advertisements and animated maps that document the firm's work. The last interface is the result of my research undertaken in 1991 on the history of Industrial Design in Alberta. The purpose is to offer an enjoyable way to discover and explore this field of design and it is directed towards. designers, scholars and the general public. A public demonstration of all the interfaces will be scheduled sometime this Fall.

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