oribotic bio digital walk
Nature is the ultimate origami artist. This project aims to link the natural unfolding expression of geometry, structure and movement through a series of botanic site-specific augmented reality (AR) sculptures in the Geelong Botanical Gardens (GBG).
The video above briefly outlines the projects aims and expected outcomes.
For clarity the main artistic process and outcomes can be summarised as follows:
1. Walks and conversations within the GBG will inspire the selection of species for studies. The video discusses the study of a sheoak seed pod.
2. A series of studies will examine the species with respect to their folding mechanisms, geometries, growth and decay. See sheoak seedpod study and latex castings.
3. Based on these studies, 3D models and animations will be created. These will become the AR works.
4. These AR works will be located within GBG using modest signage, ideally situated nearby the species selected for the study, and made accessible to the public via a free app for use on their devices (phones or tablets).
5. It is expected that up to ten AR works will be created using this process, however, detailed studies may result in more ambitious artistic expression and therefore the adage quality over quantity applies.
INFO
The graphic below contains a 3D object, it can be rotated and moved to change its view. It is a sketch and work-in-progress study of a sheoak seed pod. If you are on an iOS device running iOS 11 or later (some androids work too) you can click the AR glyph (cube icon) to launch the Augmented Reality viewer and place the object in your space.
Additional materials related to outcome:
Geometry construction of an AR asset in progress. The grey geometry is constructed with mathematics, then the internal structure and external structure are created using a special plugin for organic modelling.
Studies for Augmented Reality Markers, symbols that when place in camera cause the appearance of an AR object. Markers can be used in signage to locate specific pieces in GBG.
I am more than happy to provide any further information about the proposed project on request.
Above: This series of latex casts have been turned inside out, revealing the negative shape of the sheoak seed pod geometry. The study of the pod reveals a phyllotaxic (the spiral shape) geometry that includes small pockets from which the seeds are launched as the protective 'mouths' unfold as the seed pod dehydrates.