Special Subject: Art, Culture, and Technology — Beginner’s Guide to Visualizing Data and Life-Like Processes in Digital Art
4.s37 UG | 4.s33 G
This is an incredible opportunity to dive into the basics of biomimicry and natural algorithms in computational design and artificial life. Prior programming or modeling software experience is not needed. Advanced folks will be accommodated on an individual project-based track. Students learn about the cultural and visual implications of automation and biotechnological advancements driven by computational technology, exploring their aesthetic significance through the analysis of data and algorithms.
This course is designed as a beginner's guide to ethical solutions to design problems in computational design and data concerning nature through visualization and art. It is structured to be accessible and considerate of the broader impact of design decisions on communities, society, and culture. Students will receive a low-level, beginner-friendly introduction to the basics of data visualization in processing and Python, biomimicry, agent-based systems in Grasshopper visual coding, and C# and animation in Maya.
- Learning Objectives/Pedagogy:
- Understand the historical context and evolution of data visualization, biomimicry, and Artificial life as an art form.
- Explore the ethical considerations and social implications of data visualization, biomimicry, and Artificial life.
- Acquire practical skills and techniques for creating bio-inspired artworks.
- Engage in critical discussions on the intersection of art and biology.
- Collaborate with peers to develop innovative data-based projects.
- Analyze and interpret databases from various perspectives.
- Develop a strong foundation for future research in data visualization, biomimicry, and Artificial life.