Façades : Turning buildings into large - scale interactive surfaces

The rapidly increasing number of so-called media façades is one prominent example of how new digital technologies are augmenting urban environments. The majority of media façades covers most of the outer shell of a building, which gives them a 3D form factor. Due to their size and visibility, as well as the dynamic public urban environment they are usually situated in, they offer great potential for interaction. Unfortunately, this potential is mostly neglected so far. In this position paper, we described our previous and ongoing efforts to exploit the full potential of media façades in order turn them into fully-fledged, interactive displays in urban environments.