LO-05 Computer Graphics

For this week’s looking outwards, I thought I would highlight one of my favorite topics in the world of computation – non-euclidean geometry. The youtuber Code Parade makes videos showcasing their work developing rendering engines that display non-euclidean space.

These videos showcase the ability of computer graphics to show us other, possible worlds. Hyperbolica in particular shows us hyperbolic & hypobolic space: worlds where space is literally curved. Worlds where space is literally more or less dense, producing otherworldly visuals that confound the human mind. Triangles with three right angles. Seeing the back of your own head. These projects bring advanced geometry to life in a visual, visceral way.

I really admire the project because it does something that would be nigh-impossible without computation. It is difficult enough to grasp rendering flat space by hand, but curved space would be totally out of reach. These rendering engines are built from the ground up to simulate curved space & impossibly interconnected geometries.
-Robert