Analog and digital
15 - 9 - 2007
Generative processes are better understood if they are developed manually. For instance, we have studied fractal mountain generation
by hand, starting with a single line, using dice to get random numbers and drawing the line manually.
Only after this exercise students have used an open source software to build a 3D surface model in STL format and rendered it with 3DMax.
It's important that students understand that generative processes can be analog and can be done in many different ways.
It's also important to set into the proper focus the importance of the process and of the algorithms involved. These happen to be easily
hidden by the interfaces and by the speed of the computer.
And students should research generative processes in the real life. The growing and chaotic new urban areas of Lima are a unique starting point.
But we can find generative designs in traditional arts and crafts, such as the ruins of incaic adobe constructions or textile designs.
Look the works of Josef and Anni Albers (Bauhaus).
15 - 9 - 2007
Students seem to enjoy the variety of forms and design that generative design can produce (for example, using GDesign).
But soon nas the initial excitement fades away, some misunderstandings can be detected... (more soon)
2 walls of Cajamarca, Peruvian Andes
2 walls near Churin, Peruvian Andes
Drying adobe, Caral. Ruins of the huaca Pucllana, Lima
Ruins of Tambocolorado, near the town of Pisco
