Informed Motion

The main goal of this project was to investigate workflows in order to reduce the design gap between physical models, digital processes, and spatial data

A self organizing entity, based on Craig Reynolds' boids algorithm was programmed. Attributes affecting the behavior of the swarm were explicitly connected to field data (wind and topography), interpolated for their coordinates at the moment of query.

Our aim was to develop an explicit connection between contextual data, a generative system, physical design models and user input.

A physical model, resembling an arbitrary terrain was created. Qualities that are computationally expensive, yet physically effortless were prioritized. After playful experimentation, the complete work space was photographed from multiple angles. These photographs were used via photogrammetry in order to recreate the work space in animation software.

The physical model was cleaned up and isolated for digital experimentation

The next step was to generate random data to embed into the model. Similar in nature to a geographical information system.

Arbitrary values for wind speed and direction were randomly generated, emulating data collected from 7 observation points. The values were interpolated via an inverse distance weighting algorithm in order to create maps. These maps were kept as the basis for field data, directly affecting the motion of the swarm.

For further experiments, a form-making method, similar to long exposure photography was adopted. This approach is congruent with natural ways of shaping things. by directly outputting g-code, it is possible to choreograph digital fabrication tools. Since motion can be naturally changed and rearranged, the method provides an amount flexibility and fluidity that is uncommon in CAD. Rapid gestures can be translated to form, similar to analogue sketches, while maintaining an explicit hierarchy of nodes. This workflow made it possible to create a volume of intricate shapes, that can be redrawn with ease while the virtual matter reacts to virtual forces, in similar fashion to watercolor and gravity.

Inverse Kinematics was exploited to design units, that can react to the changing values of data. Any geometric shape can be inserted into the skeleton structure, and geometric attributes can be dynamically connected to locally sampled data values.

Results were video mapped onto the physical model for presentation. Demonstrating the dynamic relationship between the swarm and the surface that affected its formation.