Category: LookingOutwards-02

After looking at many different artists and artworks, I was very fond of Jessica Rosenkrantz’s generative art. Something that I really admired and stood out to me about her artworks is that the shapes she makes are very organic. It almost seems like they didn’t use an algorithm and that Rosenkrantz created the shapes herself. The way that she gets inspired from natural phenomena and uses technology to create computer simulations is an interesting juxtaposition. Another thing that I admire about her artworks is that the artworks Rosenkrantz creates come in many different forms such as digital art, product design, puzzles, accessories, and statues. The algorithm that she uses combines scientific research, computer graphics, mathematics, and digital fabrication. Rosenkrantz crafts computational systems that create a myriad of unique patterns and shapes instead of just designing them. She translates scientific theories and models of pattern formation into algorithms that eventually create an interesting design.

Jessica Rosenkrantz, Floraform, 2014

Emilio Bustamante

Section D

Parametric architecture in my opinion is one of the best
representations of generative art. Architects now at days
use different programs where parameters such as numbers
and commands are connected to create different forms and
patterns. This type of design process allows for easy and
fast modification. It also allows for connecting different
elements throughout the design making it more efficient.
A good example of parametric architecture would be the work
by Zaha Hadid architects. Their work reaches a level of
complexity and variety that would not be possible or hard
to do without the help of computer algorithmic calculations.
In my opinion, their best design would be the proposed Sunrise
Tower in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. The design overlays a pattern
in its form to create one of the most unique facades. Parametric
design has also been a crucial design element for some of my
architecture projects.

Parametric Skins – Sunrise Towers by Zaha Hadid Architect

I’d like to talk about a video-game called “Little Computer People,” which is also known as “House on a Disc.” I’ve never played it myself, but I heard about it on the podcast “Wonderful!” — episode 95, around 38:35 — and for some reason I’ve never forgotten it. It’s basically like an early version of The Sims or Tamagotchi, released in 1985, and was credited as a source of inspiration for the making of The Sims (though The Sims came out 15 years later). As the player, you were a researcher observing the little person living in your computer. You entered your name, the date, and the time, so the game would address you in real time. You’d always have a male character assigned to you. And there were 256 possible different names that the character could have. The game play was basically typing in instructions for the person, like “take a shower,” “watch TV,” “play the piano,” etc. If you stopped feeding the character or making him sleep, his smiley face would turn into a frown, and then he’d turn green. The character could also send you, the player, correspondence with his little typewriter, like “Low on supplies,” “Would like to have a party,” “Would like to have a cat,” though there would be no result if you instructed him to have a party or get a cat. He could also initiate a game of poker, war, or anagrams with you. So although the gameplay may seem mundane or like it’s not much content, I myself am really impressed with all the different functions and variables working together to respond to the player’s input. And I imagine there are a lot of if/else if/else statements working together to produce those results as well.