Coexistence of Art and Technology in Berkeley

Anvita Gupta
Aug 9, 2017 · 4 min read

According to German poet Goethe, “A better future is composed of expanded elements from the past”. Such could be the motto of Berkeley, an eclectic city that has, while retaining its origins, adapted to each decade. Founded in 1868, the city of Berkeley was built around the prestigious University of California. The university served as a center of protest during the 60s, mostly in opposition to the Vietnam War. Tension has since dissipated, but the city itself remains a symbol of free speech.

Murals of Louis Armstrong and many other influential artists are painted throughout a UC Berkeley co-op, signifying the importance of art in an academic setting. Photo: Sherry Te

The local government’s leniency on artists has provoked creativity that is unparalleled to any other city. This has inspired students whom reside in Berkeley to innovate now more than ever. Many of the technological innovations that have, and will be, invented in Berkeley are a result of students’ exposure to the city’s art and social climate. Isaac Goldstein, a computer science student at UC Berkeley, agrees. In his experience, “the counterculture that has pervaded Berkeley’s campus for such a long time is really helpful towards innovation because counterculture is against living the way we have been”.

What makes Berkeley work? It has a certain magical appeal that can tempt any demographic. Simply said, “there’s something for everybody”. It is precisely this spirit which combines youth and experience that inhabitants of Berkeley seek. From its historical implications to its high research university, Berkeley is an exceptional place for advancement. According to Isaac Goldstein, “One of the main reasons behind that is the massive diversity… and what that leads to is just a plethora of ideas.” The importance of diversity, and the ideas it ignites, lies in a notorious issue with the tech industry: stagnation. Whereas, “people just keep trying to do the same things the same way”.

A collection of eclectic shattered plates are decorated on a store that sits on Telegraph Avenue, an epicenter of community art in Berkeley, California. Photo: Anvita Gupta
Eatsa, a new form of restaurant, has recently taken over the Bay Area. It offers an unorthodox approach, connecting customers to their food directly. No lines. No cashier. “Your made-to-order bowl simply shows up lightning fast in your own personalized cubby.”

Relation to history and technology is intimately linked. The University of California flaunts 95 Nobel peace prizes, 1 Pulitzer prize, and 13 Fields medals. Making history is in the city’s nature. Currently, the focus of innovation is channeled towards environmental friendliness. The Green Initiative Fund (TGIF) provides funding, via grants, for projects that improve and support UC Berkeley’s campus sustainability efforts. Examples of such are sustainable modes of transportation, increase in energy and water efficiency, restoration of habitats, promotion of environmental and food justice, and reduction in waste. These changes were implemented with the intention of allowing for future generations to be influenced by Berkeley’s history.

(left) An electrical box that holds power for lines on Telegraph Avenue. This box is an example of how art has been integrated into technology. Photo: Anvita Gupta (Middle) UC Berkeley’s Amazon Locker that is connected to the ASUC Student Union. Customers are able to have products shipped to them the same day it’s ordered. Similar to Eatsa, there’s no need to person-to-person interaction with employees. Photo: Christopher Chang (Right) A rack of FordGo Bikes on campus. It’s “a new bike sharing system designed for one-way trips”. Photo: Tom Levy

The counterculture movement has had a direct influence on Berkeley’s technological innovation. This is primarily due to the city’s policy on art, a token principle of counterculture. Rick B. Powers, a native resident, agrees. He insists that, “it is one of the few cities in California that allow people to sell their art”. Social movements which have influenced the past now carry on their legacy through art. In this way, Berkeley is representative of its residents and its history: “the city itself has worked with artists to develop a steady influence by our art on the street rather than the other way around”. This is not a one-sided relationship. Mr. Powers goes on to state, “technology helps street artists” by promoting local art through social media and creating a expedited medium of payment. Much like Rick B. Powers, the social scenes at Berkeley plan on being here “a little while longer”.

This infographic presents additional details on startups, which are on an exponential rise in the Bay Area. Similarly, the attached timeline shows the history of Berkeley through social movements and technology. In comparison to the first event, electricity, startups show just how much technology has changed in Berkeley.

This article was researched and created by Anvita Gupta, Sherry Te, Christopher Chang and Tom Levy.

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