Places & Spaces Will Change How People See the World

Who really matters in the world? Where do people who hold US patents really live? Where and how intense have hurricanes been since 1851? How did science fiction come to be? What are the “battle lines” between the left and right sides of the political spectrum? How are verses of the Bible related to one another? Answers to complex questions like these are beautifully visualized in 

This exhibit of 100 visualizations is intended to “inspire cross-disciplinary discussion on how to best track and communicate human activity and scientific progress on a global scale,” according to Katy Börner, curator of Places & Spaces and professor of Information Science at Indiana University. Börner pioneered Places & Spaces in 2005; since then, it has grown from 10 visualizations to 100, and has traveled throughout the United States.

“Data visualization is critical to our understanding of the world, and Places & Spaces presents data in an incredibly beautiful way, making it that much easier to grasp big picture and big data concepts,” said Dr. Sawsan Khuri, Director of Engagement for the UM Center for Computational Science. “We hope that this exciting exhibition will be a catalyst for creative, innovative data visualization work throughout all UM campuses.” 

Places & Spaces is brought to UM by the 

, the College of Arts and Sciences

, and the School of Communication

. “Our goal is to transform the University of Miami into a major center for data visualization, infographics and information design in the southern United States,” said Alberto Cairo, Assistant Professor of the Professional Practice at the School of Communication and Director of the Visualization Program at the CCS. “Along with new initiatives to be launched, the Places and Spaces exhibit and lecture series will help us achieve this goal.”

In a cross-campus partnership, and with a true collaborative spirit, half of the 100 visualizations, plus all of the 3D and interactive elements, will be on display on the first and second floors of the

, which also provided invaluable logistical support to the project. The remaining half of the exhibit will be displayed at the Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Hall on the first floor of the 

, which has its own visualization projects in progress and where many of the special events related to Places & Spaces will be held.

“The study of data visualization crosses disciplines and has applications in a variety of academic areas,” said Thomas J. LeBlanc, UM Executive Vice President and Provost. “Places & Spaces showcases the kind of cutting-edge work the University already has in progress at the School of Communication, the School of Architecture, the College of Arts & Sciences and the Center for Computational Science.” 

Throughout the fall 2014 semester, world-renowned visualization designers and researchers will speak at UM, about their work with big data and how it relates to Places & Spaces. All events are free and open to the public, but registration is required for many of them. More information will be available soon at the 

 – Opening Reception. 

, curator of Places & Spaces will speak. Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Hall, UM School of Architecture. 6-8 p.m.

 – 

: Creative Visualization and Data Art.

Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Hall, UM School of Architecture. 6-7 p.m.

 - Adib Cure

, 

: Mapping Informal Cities. Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Hall, UM School of Architecture. 6-7 p.m.

 - 

Nela Ochoa, 
Xavier Cortada,

and Patricia Van Dalen: How Science Inspires Their Art. CAS Wesley Gallery, 1210 Stanford Drive, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.


Thursday, October 9 - Nigel Holmes: Humor in Visualization and Infographics.

Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Hall, UM School of Architecture. 6-7 p.m.

 - 

 - Family Day in partnership with the Lowe Art Museum. Details TBA.

Richter Library, 3rd floor conference room. 6-7 p.m.

 – Li Yi: Data Mapping and 3D Visualization with GIS. Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Hall, UM School of Architecture. 6-7 p.m.

 – National GIS day. Otto G. Richter Library, 3rd floor conference room. 6-7 p.m.

 – Self-guided tours of the exhibit as part of UM’s Art Basel Breakfast. Details TBA.

 – Closing Reception: 

,

. Stanley and Jewell Glasgow Hall at UM’s School of Architecture. 6-8 p.m.

Annette Gallagher