Agent-based Generative Patterns

CM — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:35:51 +0000

Again it’s been a while since tinkering with Processing and generative design for the last time (day-to-day jobs can be oppressively monotonous at times). I’m currently spinning ideas for an upcoming series of vinyl artworks (possibly) accompanied by large format offset prints.

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Still images from generative software (source format 8000x5000px at 300dpi)

While the compelling and eye-catching beauty of generative patterns based on moving beziér curves are already old hat and widely cited, I’m still thinking that there’s room for conceptual enhancement and further analysis of the topic.

Currently, I’m testing various interfaces and input stimuli / formats (i.e. sound, image-analysys and various data formats & sources) to create interactive structures not only producing decorative drawings, but creating generative patters based on logical sequences and structures.

Current prototypes are using a simple graphic-tablet to trigger and stimulate swarm-based simulations involving up to 250 autonomous agents of different life cycles.

» More stills of created generative patterns are available at Flickr.com

Morphing Surfaces

CM — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 17:23:21 +0000

While sorting sketch folders and workspaces some days ago, I came across some rough Processing drafts based on eskimoblood’s Surface library. It’s more than 2 years ago, that I was utilizing this inspiring source of 3-dimensional surfaces and objects for the last time, but I couldn’t resist to give certain aspects another spin.

In previous experiments I completely missed out on the morphing functionality provided by the library and just after some quick testing of available surfaces I came up with some quite interesting forms and results. Combinations of two surfaces – a 1st more complex like a Tranguloid Trefoil and more simple counterparts (i.e. Spheres) turned out to be a valuable source and basis for further sketching.

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Current versions and prototypes are combining rotation and scaling as well as growth-like animations using the underlying mathematical structures (see Paul Bourke) and qualities of certain surfaces.

While still being impressed by the aesthetic value of generated forms and artfully arranged elements, I’m already thinking about using underlying procedures and algorithms for more applied usage in upcoming projects.

See more stills of created generative forms at Flickr.

christianmeinke.com » Interactive

Agent-based Generative Patterns

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Morphing Surfaces