FILL / SPACE

Develop a generative, emergent process to fill space (2D or 3D) using only black lines.
Modify a known process or invent your own.
Implement your process as object-oriented, full-screen software, in Processing.
You may work individually or with a partner.
There are five phases: research, concept, prototype, refine, document.

Calendar
14 Jan. Research Presentations
16 Jan. Concept due, small group discussion
21 Jan. (No class, MLK Day)
23 Jan. Prototype due, small group discussion
28 Jan. Refinement due, class discussion
30 Jan. Print samples due, small group discussion
04 Feb. Documentation due, class discussion


Phase 1, Research (Due 14 January, 4 points)
A 6:40 presentation (pecha kucha style) on a research topic assigned in class on 9 January (see below.) Work in pairs. All twenty 1024 x 768 jpg files must be bundled into one PDF and placed on the course server by 9pm on Sunday, 13 January. Make the first slide a title slide with your names and the topic. Name the document after your topic (e.g. CellularAutomata.pdf). Please make the presentations very visual and enjoyable.

Phase 2, Concept (Due 16 January, 4 points)
Before class on 16 January, make a post to the SC site explaining the concept for your software; include text and images. We'll discuss ideas about translating your concept into software during class. I recommend that most of you build on a known emergent process and that you modify existing code (there are hundreds of examples online). Read units Structure 4 and Structure 5 of Processing to learn/remember object-oriented programming.

Phase 3, Prototype (Due 23 January, 8 points)
Bring a working prototype of your code to class on 23 January. It can be visually rough, but the process should be working.

Phase 4, Refine (Due 28 January, 12 points)
Make process and visual refinements to the software. Using the Processing video library, make a 640 x 480 QuickTime movie (H.264 compression) of your software and save it as a Flash video. Post the video and a text description to the SC site.

Phase 5, Document (Due 04 February, 12 points)
Document your emergent process as a 70cm x 100cm print. Bring print samples to class on 30 January and the final print framed on 04 February. Post your final image and a text description to the SC site.


Research Topics

01. Cellular Automata (1D, 2D, etc.)
02. Autonomous Agents
03. Swarm Intelligence
04. Artificial Life
05. Genetic Algorithms
06. Fractal Geometry
07. Game of Life
08. L-systems Plants
09. Boids
10. Braitenberg Vehicles