modeLab

coLab | Interactive Parametrics Workshop

Studio Mode is pleased to announce the fourth installment of the coLab workshop series: Interactive Parametrics. Interactive Parametrics is a two-day Processing workshop (with an optional third day) focusing on dynamic sketches and prototyping. The workshop will be held in New York City during the weekend of February 19.

Description:
The paradigm of scripting within ubiquitous modeling platforms such as Rhino or Maya allows users to generate complex form by accessing an underlying geometry engine and performing iterative functions. This paradigm is typically based on run-once execution, making it unsuitable for designing interactive or time-based behaviors. By implementing workflows that utilize Processing to create real-time software sketches, we can design dynamic systems that can act as standalone tools for parametric design, input mechanisms to feed other platforms, or processors of existing or sensor-based data sets.

This fast-paced workshop will focus on interactive parametric design strategies. Using Processing as our base platform, we will design real-time dynamic behavior systems, implement interfacing techniques for fluid use, and iteratively prototype the solutions in physical format through rapid prototyping and digital die-cutting. Through a series of focused exercises and design tasks, each attendee will build a stand-alone parametric design sketch and work through the process of prototyping, realizing a set of solutions through computer numerically controlled equipment (Makerbot “Thing-O-Matic” and KNK High-Force Cutters). An optional third workshop day is offered to those participants desiring further time to develop individual projects or lines of research. As part of a larger online infrastructure, modeLab, this workshop provides participants with continued support and knowledge to draw upon for future learning.

Attendance will be limited to provide each participant maximum dedicated time with instructors. Participants are encouraged to be familiar with the basic concepts of parametric design and interface of Processing.

Interactive Parametrics was conceived through a collaboration between Studio Mode/modeLab and Marius Watz/evolutionzone.

modeLab is graciously supported by the following sponsors:

Instructors:
Marius Watz | Artist, Marius Watz | evolutionzone.
Ronnie Parsons + Gil Akos | Partners, Studio Mode.

Details:
All experience levels are welcome. Participants are encouraged to be familiar with the basic concepts of parametric design and interface of Processing.
Registration Pricing (limited enrollment) : $550/$650.
Workshop Location : modeLab | NYC.
Workshop Hours : 10AM-6PM.
Examples of Previous Workshops.

Infrastructure:
coLab Workbook | Printed + PDF Documentation
coLab Primers | Annotated Primer Processing Files
coLab Exercises | Annotated Exercise Processing Files
modeLab Fabrication Equipment | CNC High Force Cutter
MakerBot Fabrication Equipment | “Thing-O-Matic” Rapid Prototyping Machines

Topics:
Processing Concepts + Fundamentals
Dynamic Algorithmic Behavior
Processing Interface Development
Geometry Creation
Prototyping with Makerbot “Thing-O-Matics” + KNK High-Force Cutters

Dates:
2010.January.12 | Workshop Announced + Registration Opens.
2011.February.19 | Workshop Begins.
2011February.21 | Optional Workshop Session.

To register for the workshop, please complete payment through the button below.

To receive more information, please complete this form.

Software:
All students will be required to bring their own laptops preloaded with the latest version of Processing.

Hardware:
Over the course of the workshop, participants will be rapid prototyping their design iterations on a bank of Thingomatic CNC Printers by MakerBot Industries and KNK CNC High-Force Cutters. Build and cut material fees are included in the cost of the workshop.

Marius Watz:
Marius Watz (NO) is an artist working with visual abstraction through generative systems. An autodidact, he dropped out of Computer Science studies to pursue visual work based on parametric processes. He is known for his bold use of colors and hard-edged geometric compositions.

In 2005 Watz founded Generator.x, a curatorial platform that has resulted in a series of events related to generative art and design. Generator.x 1.0 was a conference at Atelier Nord in Oslo, accompanied by a travelling exhibition organized by the Norwegian National Museum that lasted until the end of 2007. A Generator.x concert tour of audiovisual performances was initiated in March 2006 and continues to this day. Generator.x 2.0 was a workshop and exhibition produced in collaboration with the Club Transmediale 2008 festival in Berlin, focusing on digital fabrication and computational architecture.

Watz is a lecturer at the Oslo School of Architecture and at the Oslo National Academy of the Arts, Department of design. He has given many workshops and lectures on topics such as computational aesthetics, live cinema and digital fabrication.

Marius Watz is represented by [DAM]Berlin.

Any questions can be sent directly to workshop@studiomode.nu.