inFORMation – Dubai

InFORMation – advanced Grasshopper workshop
Dubai – 29 May to 1 June 2015

// Abstract
“the Basis of the Universe Isn’t Matter or Energy … It’s Data” – James Gleick – WIRED

The space where we live can be monitored in many ways and it appears, even more, to be in a state of flux – a gradient of data in continuous evolution and change. Our understanding of the surrounding environment is improving everyday due to our ability to scan and sample the environment around us at increasing resolution using better technologies and sensors. Hence the space is revealed, beyond its physical boundaries, as an ever-changing data field. Our capability to act and design the space itself can be enhanced by the use of specific tools which are able to inform the design process with more accurate, specific and adaptable manifold of data streams and patterns.

Patterns are everywhere around us. From the formation of sand dunes, to the organization of flower leaves around a stem, to the circulation of people in a particular space, to the network of neurons in our brain; in all their shapes and forms patterns can be defined as sequences in space and time through which information is recorded. The ability to articulate this embedded information through pattern and geometry is a design skill primarily since our senses perceive our environment through pattern recognition.

in.FORMation is an intermediate/advanced Grasshopper workshop exploring PATTERN as ‘data embodiment strategies’. We will examine patterns of nature and the environment around us as information processes that provide the basis to develop possible strategies to inFORM digital matter morphologies by a specific set of data conditions.

The workshop focuses on integrating information processing into digital systems to enable the formation of structures and patterns, starting from very simple states and building intricacy to reach more complex ones. The aim is to develop an understanding of information and data articulation as generators of spatial and architectural formations. Results may range from pure data strategy design to complex geometries and pattern articulation depending on the propagation of selected data and the skill level and aspiration of each participant. We will also translate the digital representation into physical formations through the integration of 3d printing technology.

Combined with 3d printing techniques and mesh optimization, and set in a real design environment, the workshop learning objectives include:

Application of new design strategy to generate pattern formations in complex systems and building forms and facades through the embodiment of selected information.
Advanced mesh modeling techniques to generate and manage complexity in architectural formations.
Learning and usage of 3d printing techniques to embed information in physical matter and models, and mesh optimization for 3d printing files.
Enabling new and relevant avenues of inquiry for the embodiment of information that will move the design space beyond the simple assemblages of static parts and into deeper ecology with degrees of autonomy that provide complex feedbacks.

// Methodology
We will spend the first 2,5 days exploring the tools and working on selected techniques of analyzing information to generate mesh-based complex structures and patterns and explore their potential to inform a variety of building forms or skins. System differentiation will be achieved in response to the selected manifold of information and the selected methodology. In the evening of the third day we will introduce participants to the techniques and methodologies to prepare their model for the 3d Printer. We will learn how to prepare the Gh/Rhino file and set the relevant parameters of the model to be ready for 3d printing. We will also explore the potential and limitations of the current 3d printing technology.

// Design Exercise
In the evening of the third day, participants will be divided into groups to develop their own concept. The groups will explore manifolds of information as a reference for their system, and will investigate their potential in relation to their design. The design intent will be focused on the process of generation complex systems and patterns from the embodiment of this information. Processes will be applied to generate a variety of building forms or skins that reflect the groups’ concepts. The aim of the workshop is to explore new design possibilities and to expand the design space towards information – oriented design.

In addition to the technical part, the workshop will also include lectures on the subject by Andrea Graziano, and Zayad Motlib.

// Daily schedule
Will be announced soon.

// Software & skills:
Basic modeling skill in Rhino, and intermediate to advanced level in Grasshopper are required. Participants should bring their own laptop with pre-installed software (software download links will be given after subscription).

// Tutors:
Andrea Graziano- Co-de-iT (GH & design tutor).
Zayad Motlib – d-NAT (GH & design tutor).

// Venue:
The workshop will be held at:
Maraya Art Center
Al qasba, Sharjah
http://www.maraya.ae

// Calendar & Timetable:
The workshop will have the following timetable:
May 29 – 14:00 -22:00 lesson + tutoring
May 30 – 10:00 -19:00 lesson + tutoring
May 31 – 14:00 -22:00 lesson + tutoring
June 1 – 14:00 -21:00 tutoring + Presentation and Crit + Certificate ceremony

// Subscription fees:
For participants who register by 21 May, 2015, we offer an EARLY BIRD rate of:
E.B. – Educational* : AED 1,600
E.B. – Professional : AED 2,700
Recent Graduate Special Rate: AED 1,900

After 21 May, 2015 STANDARD fees apply:
STANDARD fees – educational* : AED 1,900
STANDARD fees – professional : AED 3,100
Recent Graduate Special Rate: AED 2,200
* Full time students, researchers & PhD (proof of status required).

The deadline for registration is 25 May, 2015
The workshop will be activated with a minimum number of 12 participants.

// Application:
To register please e-mail: contact@d-nat.net

// Organized by:
This workshop is organized as a collaboration between d-NAT and Co-de-iT .

// Note:
Participants who are qualified to apply for this workshop should have either passed one of our previous workshops, or should enroll in the beginners workshop Re-parameterized 0.4.