Universe Within: Digital Lives in the Global Highrise

2015Interactive: Web Experience

By: Katerina CizekKaterina Cizek

Production: David OppenheimGerry FlahiveAnita LeeSilva Basmajian

Universe Within is a digital documentary that reveals the hidden digital lives of highrise residents around the world. From intimate whispers on Skype, to explosive political uses of WhatsApp in neighbourhoods under siege, this story takes us inside the hearts, minds and computers of vertical citizens around the world: from Guangzhou to Mumbai to New York and beyond.

As cities reach for the sky, the highrise building becomes a metaphor for the urban planet. Trapped in our apartments, how do we engage with our loved ones over the worldwide web? How has it rewired our brains and our relationships?

Drawing on documentary, fiction, photography, film, data art and webGL, Universe Within confronts the viewer with provocative questions about ethics, emotions and empathy in our digital, vertical environments.

Availability

This work is unfortunately no longer available. The technology it relied on is no longer compatible with the updated standards of our platform.

Subject categories

  • Architecture > Homes and Housing
  • Urbanism > Housing and Public HousingUrban Life
  • Social Issues > Urban Life

Credits

creator (Web)
Katerina Cizek
collaboration
Deborah Cowen
Emily Paradis
Secret Location
director
Katerina Cizek
producer
David Oppenheim
Gerry Flahive
executive producer
Anita Lee
Silva Basmajian
associate producer
Kate Vollum
technical director
Branden Bratuhin
interactive production, design
Secret Location
interactive production, build
Secret Location
writer
Katerina Cizek
Marty Flanagan
senior documentary development
Heather Frise
assignment editor
Heather Frise
Maria-Saroja Ponnambalam
Paramita Nath
avatar dialogue writer
Susan Coyne
avatar
Michael McManus
Keliyah Ogiamien
Dillan Chiblow
documentary story researcher
Alexis Mitchell
Brett Story
Maria-Saroja Ponnambalam
Paramita Nath
Heather Frise
Kate Vollum
documentary development
Maria-Saroja Ponnambalam
Paramita Nath
research assistant
Cassandra Gardiner
production supervisor
Mark Wilson
centre administrator
Josiah Rothenberg
production coordinator
Jennifer Bertling
Rachel Punwassie
technical coordinator
Marcus Matyas
interactive sound design
Dafydd Hughes
photo animation
Branden Bratuhin
editor
Katerina Cizek
MIT consultant
William Uricchio
Sarah Wolozin
Scott Osterweil
Leila W. Kinney
sound editor
Aaron McCourt
documentary sound design
Chris Miller
copy editor
Gillian Burnett
marketing manager
Tammy Peddle
marketing assistant
Jolène Lessard
Michelle Rozon
publicist
Jennifer Mair
research and public engagement consultant
Jay Pitter
manager, national education programs
Kristine Collins
head, education content
Ross Johnstone
educational content coordinator
Claudia Sicondolfo
legal counsel
Peter Kallianiotis
original music composer
Dafydd Hughes
Nick Storring

Awards

  • Best Original Interactive Production Produced for Digital MediaCanadian Screen Awards
  • FWA Site of the DayFavourite Website Awards
  • Online Video: Best Use of Interactive VideoThe Webby Awards