Sandboxes should be displayed horizontally, with the sand side facing up. Each Sandbox measures 44 cm (17 5/16 in) wide, 50.3 cm (19 13/16 in) long, and 8.1 cm (3 3/16 in) tall. They should be displayed on a simple flat white five-sided platform (four sides and a top), equal the width and length of a Sandbox, standing roughly 80cm (32 in) tall:
The platform houses a computer and a power strip. The computer runs the Sandbox software and maintains constant high-bandwith access to the internet (see minimum technical specifications below). A hole in the top of the platform allows passage of the cables that connect the Sandbox to the computer and power. The size of the hole is not crucial, but should be at least five centimeters in diameter and exist on the right side of the platform. The illustration below shows it's optimal dimensions. The small holes in the sides of the platforms provide ventilation, and should be approximately 2 centimeters (less than one inch) in diameter.
Ideally, For a permanent installation, a power tap and internet connection should be available in the floor directly under the platform. But since this scenario is unlikely for a temporary installation, a good solution is to cut a small semi-circle at the bottom of the rear of the platform and to run the power and ethernet cables along the floor to the nearest sources:
Enough space should exist around the platform for people to stand beside it on all sides. In situations where this space does not exist, it is undesirable, but the rear of the platform may abut a wall.
Two or more Sandboxes should be installed in an exhibition setting, in order to ensure the possibility of collaboration over the Sandbox Network. They should exist out of sight from each other, to allow the opportunity for the surprise of chance encounters on the Network. They may also work well alone, provided other Sandboxes are installed elsewhere, and the possibility for collaboration over the Sandbox Network exists. In particular, they work beautifully as a bridge among related parties, such as among family members or sister institutions.
For temporary exhibitions in the New York area, I am able provide the necessary platforms and computers. For exhibitions elsewhere, this is much more difficult, and any assistance from the sponsoring institution will be appreciated. The platforms are simple to build, and the minimum specifications for the computers are quite low. In any case, a persistent high bandwidth connetion to the internet is a requirement.
Technical Requirements
Internet
I have not tested the lower limit for acceptable bandwidth, but downstream and upstream speeds in the range of at least 300kbps are sufficient. This connection must be persistent, and any firewall must permit an open port the Sandboxes may use to communicate.
Personal Computer
Each Sandbox requires a computer that meets or exceeds the following requirements:
- 1.6 MHz CPU (faster preferred)
- Windows 2000 Professional or Windows XP Professional (XP preferred)
- 256 MB RAM (512 MB or more preferred)
- Processing version 68 (free software)
- A Java and JavaScript-enabled browser (Firefox preferred)