Google Chrome, tested by the DWP

Posted on September 11, 2008
Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

J. Barbó | DigitalWaterPavilion

There is a new door to the internet world: Google has created a new internet browser, an alternative to the all-mighty Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.

Google Chrome – this is the name of the invention – was released in more than 100 different countries to be used, at the moment, with Windows. The new browser, of simple and pleasant appearance, can be downloaded free from the main page of the Google search engine.

Among the most enhanced characteristics of the browser is the posibility to open each webpage in a new tab (a feature, already contained in the newest versions of the Internet Explorer). Furthermore, the Google Chrome lets you search on the toolbar itself. You can search through Google only by typing the word or the internet address in the browser’s toolbar, without actually having to open the Google search engine.

To be honest, Google has entered a difficult market, since the Internet Explorer already controls over 70% of it. Nevertheless, the experts predict, that in not more than two years the Google Chrome will be used by approximately 20% of the internet users. For the moment, let’s see what some of the users of the wireless zone at the Digital Water Pavilion said about the Google Chrome after trying it for the first time:

Other Languages:

Digital suggestions of the Expo 2008

Posted on September 5, 2008
Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Mónica Giménez López |DigitalWaterPavilion

International expositions bring together hundreds of pavilions from different countries, regions and organizations, which all try to show their best to the visitors of the fair. A vast selection of audiovisual projections has been converted into the main attraction of the Expo Zaragoza 2008, but only a few pavilions have decided to develop the idea further and use the technology as a source of connection between people and the information, making the visitors interact with the images.

We entered the Expo today to show you some of these innovative technologies that make it possible for the user to interact with them through images, sound and touch.

The pavilion of Acciona includes three expositions, but the Water Zone (Zona Agua) is what interested us the most. Acciona has created a virtual environment, that submerges the visitor into the imaginary world where every action has an immediate consequence on the projection.
The projection is 10 minutes long and includes 3 very different environments, that let you act, feel and experiment feelings. An enormous technical equipment (infrared beams all over the hall that detect your movement, 13 computers that control images and audio…) control the effects that impress the children as well as adults: a lake of waterthat leaves visitors’ trail, flowers and insects that move and change shapes when you walk on them, big rocks that change their colour and velocity when you touch them…

On the other hand, the pavilion of Navarra uses the images of people for interaction: when people on screen detect movement, they start to speak and they share their story about the social and environmental situation of the planet.
It sounds very simple, but people still enter the pavilion and wait for the projection to start, even if the pavilion’s crew is trying to explain how it works. Many visitors are surprised when, all of a sudden, the projection starts to move and speak to them.

The Pavilion of Portugal wants the visitors to interact with the screen and “catch” the words they think important for the environment, a thing we have already talked about in this blog. At the end, there is a screen, showing the statistics of the most chosen words of the day.

The Pavilion of Galicia knew how to create a place of digital art with its screen, made of small water containers from fountains, rivers and beaches of the region. They take different shapes and colours, welcoming the visitors with images of splendid landscapes. The visitors, seated in comfortable chairs, listening to relaxing music, can stay watching the projection for hours.

The pavilion of the Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the most attractive exteriors, during the day as well as during the night, since the façade varies depending on its illumination. That is why it is talked about as a “live” façade that reacts with the surrounding. The exterior is made of small reflecting metal plates, which during the day produce movement of water or desert and during the night change shape and colour into images of wild African savannah. To get this effect, a grayscale video is translated to fluorescent lights of the façade. The intensity of light defines the lighter or darker tones of the image. It’s an authentic wonder for the spectator. Ferrán Casanovas, the pavilion’s coordinator, tells us with lots of humour about the fear they had before the Expo: that people would want to take the metal plates home as a souvenir.

At last, the Digital Water Pavilion, as one of the entrances of the Expo, offers the by-passers several choices to interact with its water screens.

We leave you with our suggestions for the most innovative digital interactions of the fair, which will certainly leave you speechless. In case you haven’t noticed yet, the future is already here.

Other Languages:

DWPtv program Nº4

Posted on September 5, 2008
DWPtv Magazine | Leave a Comment

Fourth program about the Expo Zaragoza 2008, created by the Audiovisual Space of the Digital Water Pavilion: an interview with the technicians of the Iceberg show, interview with a pop group Los Peces, technological gadgets of the Expo visitors and the exposition in the Bridge Pavilion (Pabellón Puente).

Other Languages:

Pablo Vaggione: “The Expo has made Zaragoza rediscover its river.”

Posted on September 5, 2008
Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Jorge Barbó Lorente |DigitalWaterPavilion

Pablo Vaggione is one of the greatest authorities in the area of town planning. He is a training architect and a secretary of the Town-Planning Association, a non-governmental organism that brings together experts in town planning of more than 70 countries and has its headquarters in The Hague.

On his visit of the Expo, we asked him about the new Zaragoza 2008 and the goals and opportunities that the organization sees in this event and as well as in  the imminent construction of the Milla Digital, a daring technological project for Zaragoza in the next few years.

What do you think about the new Zaragoza of 2008?

I look upon it with a great deal of excitement and satisfaction, because the theme of the Expo is excellent and very important. It is crucial to talk about the water, because nobody is really conscious about the importance this issue has for our lives. This important issue is used as a driving force of the progress, a cautious and beneficial progress of the city. Just look at the new Parque Metropolitano del Agua, a 120 hectares of new public spaces that I think are very important for the city.

Furthermore I have to point out that Zaragoza rediscovered its river because of the Expo, gave it value again and sent message to all its citizens, that the river is one of the most important natural gifts they have.

From the Middle Ages on, the cities were always built close to rivers. What is the role of rivers in an organization of a city?

Cities were built near rivers not only because the soil is more fertile near them and because they are a mean of irrigation, but as well because they were an important way of transportation. All these conditions were perfect to build a city.

Nowadays, the irrigation is less important and there are more solutions for transportation as well. Nevertheless, the rivers have been converted into important public spaces. They are important spaces, where cities, which every day increase in population and new constructions, can calm down and see their own reflection. As we can see, all the cities that have their own rivers, changed their banks into public spaces, removing the industrial components of the past.

In Zaragoza, the river has become an important part of public spaces through the recent construction of the metropolitan park and the imminent construction of the Milla Digital, thus reviving the image of the river, which many have already forgotten.

 As an architect, how do you see the Expo? Which is your favourite building and what impressed you the most?

The exhibition of the Spanish pavilion is very impressive: it has a series of exhibitions with an amazing content. I also like the Faro pavilion and I think it is very interesting.

“The Bridge Pavilion (Pabellón Puente) is more a sculpture than a building and it definitely has a great architectural value.”

I don’t know if you are familiar with the latest polemic on Zaha Haid’s Bridge Pavilion…

I think the comments are about the complex form of the Bridge Pavilion. It’s necessary to look at everything from a distance. When Puente Vecchio was constructed in Florence, it was said as well that the construction was senseless. The Eiffel Tower and the Guggenheim museum were criticized as well. It is obvious that people, who don’t like changes, will protest when a different, modern building is constructed. The Bridge Pavilion is more a sculpture than a building and it definitely has a great architectural value.

“Zaragoza has the opportunity to become a pioneer and advanced city regarding the water treatment and its development.”

Which consequences can have the organization of such a big event for the city?

It all depends on how the city will take advantage of the new constructions. An event like the Expo can be very important, but it depends as well on how much the city will take advantage on the contents and international recognition. Above all, it is important how people behave; with how much enthusiasm they accept the obligation of organization of the event. As far as I know, there are a lot of volunteers participating in the Expo and I think this is a good sign.

Now we have to find the way to manage all this positive energy, so that it will contribute to further city development. Zaragoza has the opportunity to become a pioneer and advanced city regarding the water treatment and its development.

A computer simulation of the Milla Digital project.

You already know the Milla Digital project. What challenges does such an innovative and technological project present to the city developers?

It is a challenge and an opportunity at the same time, because it is a pioneer project that is trying to unite the intangible technology with tangible city development, meaning that we try to develop the city through the use of technology. The project is a union of these two aspects that have been researched thoroughly. I know that MIT (Massachusetts Institute of technology) is one of the consultants of the project, but it will take even more motivation and dedication to bring down the project. Above all, the project is very valuable for the future of Zaragoza and will generate a high urban level and educate its inhabitants about the new unique technologies.

“You have to keep in mind, that each square meter that we use, is one square meter less to take advantage of in the future.”

Zaragoza is growing fast on its four cardinal points, due to the Expo and the demographic changes that are happening at the moment. How do the city planners work to keep the growth of such city as equilibrated as possible and conserve its Mediterranean character at the same time?

You refer to the cities of new era, where horizontal development is as important as the vertical one.  There is a series of indicators that help the city planners do their job, such as density, so the city planners try not to construct too many buildings and at the same time not to leave too many empty spaces, which create high costs of infrastructure, public transport and other types of transportation (bicycles and pedestrian), or public services, such as garbage collection or heating system. They try to create systems to save energy in buildings, to capture rain water on the roofs. Above all, they try to take advantage of the most valuable resource they have: the terrain. You have to keep in mind, that each square meter that we use, is one square meter less to take advantage of in the future.

Other Languages:

A walk of the senses

Posted on August 25, 2008
Milla Digital | Leave a Comment

J.B.L | DigitalWaterPavilion

With the Expo and the imminent construction of the Milla Digital, Zaragoza offers its citizens more and more new spaces every day: areas that were almost unknown are transformed into new walking areas where new technology merges with the beauty to create unique places of surprising artificial beauty.

Such is the case of the Paseo del Agua (“Water Avenue”), an area that extends itself from the Delicias station to the Aljafería palace and occupies the terrain that used to belong to the Logroño motorway.
In this walk you can enjoy all sorts of light and sound shows, being combined with eleven most modern fountains possible. Most of them can be personalized by the visitor himself through changes of colours, shapes, intensity of water streams or sound.

Without a doubt, the most fascinating construction in this futuristic “water avenue” is the Teatro del Agua. An enormous water screen, which lights, sound and different colours change into a splendid night show. Furthermore, you can go behind the screen to make photos and through a complicated system, an image of your face appears on the water screens.

However, it is said that an image is worth a thousand words, so we hope this short video brings you this Avenue of the future a bit closer.

Other Languages:

DWPtv program Nº3

Posted on August 25, 2008
DWPtv Magazine | Leave a Comment

The third program by the Audiovisual space of the Digital Water Pavilion: fashion trends of the Expo visitors, interview with Krisenka Finley, opinions of the visitors on the Olympic Games and images of the Iceberg show for conclusion.


DWPtv Program 3 from DigitalWaterPavilion on Vimeo. 

Other Languages:

ZTV does a report on the DWP

Posted on August 13, 2008
Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

Zaragoza TV came yesterday to our Digital Water Pavilion to do a report about it for their TV program, “Destination: Expo” (every day at 9.00 p.m.).

This way, ZTV becomes another one of many TV channels that have decided to make our pavilion a setting for their TV shows and programs.

ZTV managed to convince some visitors to get wet under our water screens!

Other Languages:

The second DWPtv program

Posted on August 11, 2008
Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

The second program by the Audiovisual Space of the Digital Water Pavilion: we tried tapas in the Expo, made an interview to Baskerville, a music group of Zaragoza, asked the visitors to value the fair and visited a concert of Café Tacuba.


2º Programa DWPtv from DigitalWaterPavilion on Vimeo.

Other Languages:

Seeing them coming

Posted on August 7, 2008
Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

With nothing more than a camera, a microphone and a computer, Gabriel, Mariano and Jorge (acting as Morgan, Pedro and Alejandro) decided to make us laugh in Zaragoza with their own sitcom, A verlas venir (To see them coming). For now, more than 1000 views on Youtube.com and a project of special series about the Expo for the Heraldo’s MVT can only mean one thing: these thirty-something citizens of Zaragoza will be much talked of in the future.

Question: How was the project »A verlas venir« born?
Answer: The project is a product of a sick mind of three coworkers in audiovisual studios. We wanted to make a TV series, so we started to write the first script, the pilot episode, in order to sell the idea to some producer or TV channel.

Q: Internet is a good medium for realization of such ideas. Nevertheless, it’s not much used in Spain. Why do you think that is?
A: In Spain, we are always a little bit behind the others. Series on internet have been a great success in the USA or Great Britain and some were later shown on TV. In Spain, we have some internet series, but none have had much success yet. There is as well the language problem: the internet is an english medium and the Spanish people have a big problem with that.

Q: What do you think inspired the idea of »A verlas venir«?
A: The series was inspired a little bit by Seinfeld, other bit by Woody Allen, though we don’t want to pretend we are anything like this great artist. There is also a touch of »there is no future«, of rebelion. The series is a combination of humour and social criticism. In fact, we think that social criticism is more effective when presented through humour.

Q: For how much money would you sell your idea for a cameo in Los Serrano, for example?
A: Let them make us offers. We are very cheap, we would sell ourselves for let’s say a thousand Euros, yes, a thousand Euros would be a reasonable price (laughter). No, seriously – it’s not really a question of money, it’s more a question of artistic integration, of how much we would have to change to participate in such series and to what extent they would let us keep our style.

Q: Does the series make any sense out of Zaragoza?
A: The best compliment we were given was, that the series is not a typical Zaragozan sketch. We know we have the Zaragozan accent, we can’t avoid it, but we have no intentions of keeping our stories to a local level, we want the series to be universal. If we speak about costums, we never refer to local costums, but rather to everyday habits.

Q: Your sitcom is not only the first one to be broadcasted on the internet, but it is as well practically the first sitcom in Aragon. Why are there not more such series in Aragon?
A: We are asking ourselves the same thing. People defitinely have a talent. But we think that probably nobody has had the courrage to take their ideas to the next level yet.

Q: Maybe they have no means to do it…
A: In our case you can see that there is little support for the producers, as we finance the project ourselves. Since nobody else wants to do it, we have to do it ourselves with good will and the medias we have at our disposal. The key is a good script: with a good script, you can get a good format, without it there is nothing you can do.

Other Languages:

Andalucia ends the month of July with its special day

Posted on August 7, 2008
Uncategorized | Leave a Comment

M.R.C. | DigitalWaterPavilion

Orange blossoms, irrigation ditches, Sierra Nevada, Guadalquivir… Today is Andalucia’s day at the Expo. Back in the era of Al-Andalus, the muslims knew how to make the best use of water. Today, it’s Andalucians who know how to appreciate this valuable public good.

The Andalucia’s pavillon offers the visitors of the Expo a fourteen minutes long audiovisual presentation. They don’t only offer us moving images, but as well moving people: two dancers playing with water and lasers help to impress the audience.

Today, to end the day in style, two dancers will perform a magical show at the Andalucia’s pavilion at 9.00 p.m.

Other Languages:

keep looking »