Computation & Design
This year’s international studio classes will be lead by Stephan Thiel, interaction and information designer, co-founder of Berlin-based Studio NAND, and Jack Rusher, expert in computer science and physics, technology mentor and visual artist working with generative art.
The class “Computation & Design” will explore algorithms and data as digital materials within the design process. The curriculum focuses on students with minimal to no coding experience who are eager to learn completely new methods in the context of visual design, data visualization and interaction design.
The class will be organized into two intensive one-week workshops with some time in between allocated for work on a self-initiated project.
Week one will begin by laying the foundation for all the skills required to work on projects. In a structured introduction to algorithms we will learn new methods to create abstract visual designs by teaching computers how to draw. We will explore code hands-on and experiment with algorithms visually instead of focusing on computer science theory. Then, during the second part of the week, we will add data into this mix of materials and learn how to visualize it using software. This part will be accompanied by a short introduction to data visualization history and principles. We will end the first week with a data visualization exercise based on secret exciting dataset.
During week two, we will focus on your own project work. We will assist you directly in producing your first data-based computational design project. The usage of data and programming are key requirements for these projects. The topic, form and medium can be chosen freely*. In addition, this second week will feature short intro sessions on various topics which can be attended based on interest.
* As long as they do not harm anyone or are disrespectful to others in any direct or indirect sense.