Interactive Virtual Succulents
This project with Marpi Studio explores the mathematical beauty of Phi. The Golden Ratio can be found in many natural structures, from tree branches, to the seeds in their pine cones, and also in the arrangement of petals on a succulent. I created a wide variety of forms for the mesh of the petals in Blender 3D, and we experimented with their dynamic orientation and visual aesthetic in Unity Game Engine so as to enable a highly diverse set of ‘phenotypes.’
These succulents are imbued with a sense of meaningful presence in their interactivity. The typical boundary between the digital and the material worlds becomes porous through a kinesthetic immediacy, whether through manipulating the digital lifeforms with your hands via Leap Motion, or dancing with them using your full body via Kinect.
New Nature at Artechouse
This piece and others that I worked on with Marpi Studio were exhibited at Artechouse in Washington DC. The interactive exhibit explored biological systems through an immersive audio-visual experience, a dazzling showcase of generative computer graphics, Unity based machine learning (AI), interaction, and sound design. Driven by your movements, the multi-user artworks create real time generative patterns, forming a virtual terrarium with ever evolving worlds that morph and melt over time, reacting to people throughout the space.
SF Design Week 2019
Working with Britelite Immersive, Marpi Studio brought some of these digital lifeforms to the largest design festival on the West Coast: SF Design Week. This exhibition of the body of work was adapted to fit the form factors of the space and included additional interactive capabilities, such as multi-touch interfaces— which worked particularly well as they enhanced a sense of tactility.
