The Translation of Dynamic Patterns in Nature into Sonic, Three Dimensional and Spatial Compositions

Stephen Schaum

I plan to explore the algorithmic possibilities of dynamic natural systems to produce musical, sculptural and architectural compositions.

http://itp.nyu.edu/~ras4425/project/

Classes

Final Project Seminar

Keywords

nature, algorithmic composition, music, art

Description

How can the forces and patterns of nature be used and interpreted to create an aesthetic language of expression in sculpture, music and architecture?

Background

Hitoshi Nomura, John Cage, Charles Dodge, Iannis Xenakis, Karl Prantl.

Audience

Everyone

Implementation

For this thesis project I plan to define three dynamic patterns on different scales.
Such as:
Light patterns reflecting off the surface of a river
Goelogical shifting or displacement
Ocean/wave/ tidal patterns
Sky patterns which change such as clouds or constellations
Ambient light (or sound) transformations over time
Sand dunes shifting
Wind patterns
-or possible micro level transformation - like ice or crystal formations

Processes:
There are two ways that I am currently thinking of how to translate these patterns:
1)Video--> analysis of video graphically and geometrically-->use graphics and geometries to generate notation for the music, and cross-sections/plans for the sculptural/spatial compositions.
2) Use purely the data I record from sensors in the field-->store data in spreadsheets-->use programs which can read and interpret the spreadsheets directly (such as C Sound for the music, and Solidworks or Maya for the spatial and three-dimentional by attatching various open parameters to their geometries)--> and then recompose/edit these elements and formations afterwards if necessary.

Conclusion

By the end, I would like to achieve an analysis of three dynamic processes in nature and have the information I gain from them help to generate and form: three music compositions, 3-6 sculptural works, and possibly some kind of model for an architectural scale installation or landscape

Additional Documents