LookingOutwards-02 – [OLD FALL 2019] 15-104 • Introduction to Computing for Creative Practice

Janet Peng-Looking Outwards-02

Flight Patterns from Aaron Koblin on Vimeo.

This project is called Flight Patterns and it’s by Aaron Koblin. I believe it was created in 2009 (10 years ago). The piece visualizes the movement of airplanes over North America over time. I really appreciate the simplicity of the piece and how it affectively visualizes important data without being confusing or overwhelming. As well, even though it’s just data, it’s beautiful and mesmerizing to stare at. It creates a strong emotional reaction for me as I can feel myself traveling from place to place on a plane when looking at the piece. It reminds me of the airport and how it feels to go someplace new and return home afterwards. The piece was created by parsing and plotting data from the Federal Aviation Administration using Processing, a Javascript web application framework. The creator’s artistic sensibilities manifest in the algorithm by being able to simplify and visualize large groups of data in a way that can be effectively coded in a visual manner.

Shariq Shah – Looking Outwards- 02

Michael Hansmeyer is a computational designer interested specifically in the architectural implications of computational systems that generate a variety of complex design possibilities. Some of his latest works include a two full scale 3D printed sandstone grottoes and an iron and lace gazebo at the Gwangju Design Biennale. Hansmeyer employs a computational approach that emphasizes a level of hyper resolution in architectural spaces that can only be achieved rigorously with a computational and generative system. Because of this, algorithmic frameworks allow the specificity and complexity of surface conditions, ornament patterns, and material expression to take on a life of its own and characterize entirely new spatial conditions. As an architecture student, this work is fascinating as the role of architect is brought into question. This type of work calls for a paradigm shift from the view of the architect as the omniscient designer to one where the architect sets up a system and chooses from the results.

Claire Lee – Looking Outwards 02

I was really inspired by the work of artist and programmer Jessica Rosencrantz, which explores and mimics the relationships in natural processes with computer-generated visuals. Although I couldn’t find much about the algorithm that she uses to generate her pieces, I think that nature does follow a general pattern with a bit of randomness to it, and her algorithms probably do something similar to that. Her current pieces, which she produces under a company she co-founded with Jesse-Louis Rosenberg, are pieces of jewelry or household items that simulate nature-made patterns like leaf skeletons, fingerprints, or coral.

I really liked that she took her knowledge of biology and programming and turned it into art. Not only is her work a very interesting juxtaposition of subjects, but it is also quite beautiful.