NO. 10: The concept of creative coding. Art, science and technology, and a computational architect - sharing inspiring creative's work 👩‍💻✨

Nov 30, 2023

THE CONCEPT OF CREATIVE CODING, RANDOMNESS IN DESIGN AND USING TECHNOLOGY BEYOND FUNCTIONAL PROBLEM SOLVING

Last week I came across the concept of creative coding, which I think is super exciting. Creative coding is basically using code for artistic expression instead of it being simply functional. I found Tim Rodenbröker’s tutorial on using coded design to get a computer to generate random compositions for graphic design. By using code he can add the element of randomness to his design – creating a number of options within a defined set of constraints.

Here’s some of his examples:

Credit: Tim Rodenbröker

Credit: Tim Rodenbröker

I think the concept of creative coding is really inspiring, and it has definitely given me a lot of ideas of how to work with it in Formta. I like the idea of thinking about coding as something beyond simply being a tool for functional problem solving. It makes sense to consider the possibilities of using it to solve complex problems in a creative way. You may wonder what that has to do with project management, but that part will (hopefully) make sense later on.

MIXING ART AND TECHNOLOGY, AND A PERFORMANCE ABOUT DEMENTIA

There’s something interesting about mixing different art forms and technology. It reminds me of a performance I worked on back in 2018 as a performance guide. It was Teater Fluks who made a walking art performance, mixing together technology and live performers. The audience was guided through different rooms and buildings – and three stages of dementia, both from the perspective of the person with dementia and their relatives. It was super special to be a part of it, because it clearly meant a lot to the audience to get that experience. The way the technology was used, gave it an extra layer. I really think that's where the power of technology is - when you know how to use it to enhance the good things.

HANS ROSLING, SCIENCE AND DATA VISUALIZATION

Another thing it reminded me of was Hans Rosling, Ola Rosling and Anna Rosling Rönnlund’s use of data visualization to tell stories. They founded the foundation Gapminder to fight misconceptions and promote a fact-based world-view. Their use of visualization explain facts about the world in a fascinating way. If you haven’t read Hans Rosling’s books about it, I can highly recommend them.

ARTECHOUSE STUDIO – MIXING ART, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

ARTECHOUSE Studio is another innovative leader within the intersection of art, science and technology. They are a team of designers, architects, producers, and storytellers creating technology-driven experiences.

A great example of their work is MAGENTAVERSE, a cinematic journey through a colour universe. It's created in collaboration with Pantone to reveal the Pantone Colour of the Year, Viva Magenta:

Credit: ARTECHOUSE Studio

Credit: ARTECHOUSE Studio

You can find more of their work here

TEAMLAB: EXPLORING ART, SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND THE NATURAL WORLD

teamLab is an international art collective consisting of artists, programmers, engineers, CG animators, mathematicians and architects. The group explores the relationship between the self and the world based on the intersection of art, science, technology and the natural world.

Here’s some examples of their work:

Credit: teamLab

Credit: teamLab

Credit: teamLab

Credit: teamLab

You can find more of their work here

MICHAEL HANSMEYER - A COMPUTATIONAL ARCHITECT

A computational architect? Is that really a thing? Yes, apparently. I found Michael Hansmeyer who is an architect and programmer that uses algorithms to generate and fabricate architectural form, before building them in real life. A fascinating example is his work of the Grotto set design for Mozart's Magic Flute:

Credit: Michael Hansmeyer

Credit: Michael Hansmeyer

Credit: Michael Hansmeyer

To create work like this Hansmeyer uses computational tools to explore, optimize and test creative design ideas rapidly to maximize the opportunity for creativity. He explains:

“The design process strikes a balance between the expected and the unexpected, between control and relinquishment. While the processes are deterministic, the results are not foreseeable. The computer acquires the power to surprise us.”

You can find more of his work here