From 2001 until 2008, transmediale hosted a media lounge within the festival space. In the foyer of the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (and in later festival editions the Akademie der Künste), an international selection of media-based artists' works such as CD-ROMS and internet projects were presented in the media lounge. Later, the screening programme was also available on-demand. The projects exhibited encompassed software art, web movies, non-linear picture stories, interactive sound machines, and web projects which underscored the theme of the festival.
The Media Lounge presented projects which mainly derived from the transmediale competition and could be accessed at video terminals. The space was also conceived as a lounge, in which one could not only comfortably watch project after project, but which was likewise intended as a meeting place. Ambient video shown as large-screen projections created a stimulating atmosphere, one that invited visitors to linger late into the night.
2001 media lounge text
Alongside the works nominated for transmediale awards in the Interactive and Artistic Software categories, the media lounge presents a further range of important works competing in the Interactive section. The projects on display can be divided roughly into three groups. The first group reflects the distinct bias in favour of audiovisual composition systems shown among the 270 entries - including 150 Net projects and CD-ROM or DVD-ROM based works - submitted to the Interactive competition. The selected projects originate from very different art contexts; comparing the varying emphasis placed on the individual components making up such audiovisual systems can be very illuminating when they are viewed side-by-side. The second group reflects the observation that projects rooted in the established genres of Net Art and interactive story telling, and therefore less concerned with advancing formal aspects, remain capable of fascinating the viewer due to their expressiveness and formal excellence. The third group encompasses projects soliciting collaborative action, namely platforms defining themselves according to the input of their users and viewing the Net as a participatory system. Adhering to the ‘do it yourself’ principle and both demanding and promoting media competence, these projects propose models for action that people are hesitant to embra ce in the present-day digital world but that in the near future may well be part of everyday digital life.
2002 media lounge text
An international selection of screen-based artists’ works such as CD-ROMS and internet projects are presented by the transmediale.02 in the media lounge in the foyer of the Haus der Kulturen der Welt (House of World Cultures). The projects exhibited here encompass software art, web movies, non-linear illustrated picture stories, interactive sound machines and web projects, which will underscore the go public theme of the festival. All the submissions to the image competition can also be accessed at video terminals. The space has also been conceived as a lounge, in which one can not only comfortable watch project after project, but which is also intended as a meeting place. Ambient video shown as large-screen projections creates a stimulating atmosphere, one that invites visitors to linger late into the night.
2003 media lounge text
The Media Lounge presents projects which mainly derive from the transmediale competition. Additionally, some computers offer lists of bookmarks on the festival theme. The entire video programme of the competition is available on video set-ups. Spread across the HKW building are installations that relate to the festival theme Play Global!
2004 media lounge text
The main focus of the screening programme is the presentation of selected video works submitted for the award competition in the ‘Image’ category. These works will be shown in thematic blocks over the period of the festival as projection in the Theatersaal as well as in a video-on-demand system in the Media Lounge. Additionally there is a series of compilation programs and feature films that especially look into the festival theme Fly Utopia!
2006 media lounge text
The lounge of the festival is situated in the Studio-Foyer of the Akademie der Künste. It is a meeting point for the visitors and at the same time invites them to view the artistic projects that are presented there. The lounge is arranged in different thematic areas and formats. Four video stations for instance feature selected works from the film and video programme, at the same time providing a preview on the overall programme in the Studio-Auditorium. The wall projection in the lounge is a compilation of three artistic video works, which can be viewed in 20 minute shifting periods. Three thematic strings approach the festival theme Reality Addicts: portrait, document, urbanity & architecture. On its periphery, featured works of the lounge stretch to the salon and to the upper foyer.
2007 media lounge text
On the ground floor of the Akademie der Künste several works are on display which offer a preview of the film and video programme. Additionally, the wall installation Choose by Ciprian Muresan is located in the upper foyer.
