DESIGN THAT MOVES YOUSierra Seip & Alison Uljee
WEBSITEDesign That Moves YouElevators and conveyor belts, automobiles and busy highways are all designed to make our commutes easier, and yet they actually make it more difficult to walk and bike, and to use our own bodies for mobility, which is what they are built to do. Alison Uljee and Sierra Seip are exploring how to inspire movement, interaction, and more healthful life choices in the form of public art and design. Installations that encourage, or even require, participation and community collaboration, can stimulate new and unexpected experiences. Designs that motivate people by just being fun have the ability to change behavior and break unhealthy habits. Alison and Sierra aim to develop thoughtful, considered designs that more comprehensively benefit our quality of life, both physically and mentally. They aspire to combat chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke, by designing a more active lifestyle for urban dwellers.
Sierra Seip received her bachelor's degree from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, majoring in both Art History and Studio Art with a focus in drawing. She then went on to work in Fine Arts Education at various schools, galleries, and museums around the country. After moving to New York City in 2008, Sierra pursued a career in music and art education while doing freelance work ranging from illustration to costume and lighting design. Sierra hopes to inspire movement and interaction through fun and spontaneity, in an attempt to reclaim public spaces from their current monotony.
Alison Uljee received her bachelor’s degree from New York University in studio art and worked in the interior design industry for 5 years before enrolling in the Pratt MID program. A passion for cities, public art and exercise has motivated her to explore the capacity for which design can encourage a more physically active and healthy lifestyle.
Advisor: Fred Blumlein
