Overview

This work involves making sonic and visual mappings based on data I receive that then uses generative emergent code to make visualisations and artworks. The ‘user’ can control these evolving pieces through movement. Or, they can simply watch the piece change itself, in a generative way. These works can also be installed into 'real' environments using sensors to trigger the interactivity within the work.

(1). I am interested in the idea of the body as code and architecture, and the emergent systems of code that exist in DNA. I want to create comparative emergent systems to make artworks. These systems will require the input of unique DNA data to function. This will form the basis of an organic system, responsive data networked future system. Architecture becomes ‘Artitecture’, and leaps into a future dimension.

The user as DNA become the image, the system, the sculpture and the building. While this isn’t a proposal yet for a genetic building, a whole host of modifyable possibilities are within reach. If the dna is architecture, you will be embedded in the DATA flow itself, ie, you will be the system. I am researching how my DNA data might be used to create such unique responsive environments. I then want to investigate how this information might be translated in 3 d emergent systems with the long term aim of createing a personalised dna large scale structure.

The idea is to make an articulated structure which responds to unique user input data. I am looking at various material and display technologies in an attempt to adapt and create this. Using my own DNA data (provided via links with UCL) I will first make some 3d visual mappings, and present these online, as a generative emergent sequence. I then want to make some small scale rapid prototypes of these as fixed models, to use as a basis to develop an articulated work using responsive materials. I will experiments with polymers and material that responds to data input. I will make experiments linking this up to my live dynamic data flow. I will be working closely with Vector Architecture who have agreed to collaborate, specifically to explore materials and structures .

These are the aspects which need to be addressed.

Some leeway to this timetable may be required as proceedure will be dependent on the results from tests and meetings.

TIMELINES

Set up new partition online specific to this project, to include diary, forum and online gallery.
Get the tests completed and make documentation…
Check data and evaluates its uses. …
Process result (make system) and update the website….
Build 3D virtual models and place online….
Experiment with sensors and micro electronics. Data input and output.
Evaluate and update site….
Make an e screen…see if other polymers might be adaptable.
Draw up plans for a real structure and material.
Evaluate and update site. ….
Make a small scale model…….
Put sketches and working models online in the website for public dissemination ….dec
Conclusions, evaluations, final report…
Exhibition, performance and conference presentations, to be arranged throughout

The online diary will be udated weekly to document plans, process, developments, modifications and collaborators feedback.

(3) Evaluation will form a vital part of the research project; at each stage new information, professional opinion, progress and hinderances will necessarily inform the choices for the following steps in the project’s development. ie the project will be modified by outcomes. Evaluations will be qualitative (ie does this material satisfy my needs? How does public opinion view my ideas?) and quantitative (ie Am I working within budget? Am I keeping to timescale?).

As all work is to be documented online, my process of evaluation will be presented and updated on a weekly basis. I maintain an open source philosophy and believe in sharing all information and knowledge for dissemination by all. This is why I publish all my work online. Documentation will be provided in the form of the diary, forum and online gallery, providing also a platform for evaluative feedback from an open audience in addition to my own evaluations and those recorded from meetings.

In addition to these summative / formative assessments of the project’s development it will be necessary to make substantial evaluations regarding the successful outcome of the projects.
Points against which I will be measuring the project are:

- Distinction of creativity and of co -authorship.
- The technology will work.
- The dissemination of the information will be generous, ie all online open source.
- The user is the content and content is articulated by the user.(long term)
- Navigable structures combined automative and generative systems
- The work produced must be affecting as well as effecting.

(The works must be affecting as well as effecting. This has also become a key and central point to my current philosophy. I use this to mean that the works must have more than just effect for effect sake. It should be infused with a central concept and philosophy. The concept for this work will also evolve as the research is undertaken).

In addition, my criteria for success includes that we shall produce a real small model which is responsive to my data. This piece will be somewhere between a sculpture and an architecture.

Ultimately this project will show me whether and how to go about the development of this project into full lifescale. The final report will also be presented online and additionally I intend for information to be shared via exhibition, performance and conference presentation. (I currently use all these methods in exposing my art projects )

It is safer to s[t]imulate than realise....Stanza Copyright Stanza.