Generative Algorithms for Art and Design Workshop [2023]

All Processing code templates developed during the Generative Algorithms for Art & Design Workshop, which I taught at the IDC School of Design, IIT-Bombay (from 27^th Feb - 4^th Mar, 2023). This repository serves as a reference for these basic code templates that can be used to build up more complex projects and artwork.

Contents

1.1 Basic Truchet Tiling

A widely generic spatial-subdivision code, using a basic Truchet tiling (or tesselation friendly tiles) consisting of a randomly picked diagonal line for each spatial location. Leads to an interesting maze-like pattern, showing the generative aspect of simple logical operations and repetition.

1.2 Tiling Lines

Instead of tiling, we now draw short lines at each subdivision point in space, leading to a more "flow" like aesthetic.

Note: This is also the first step towards building a digital/analogue display, where the spatial variation encodes some information.

1.3 Tiling Ellipses

Instead of lines, we use the same idea to draw ellipses. Since monotonous ellipses might not be too interesting, we add a simple variations - circles transitioning into ellipses as we move down in space. This adds dimensionality to the work. As a further effect, we add a "drop-shadow" like stroke effect to give the work a more painterly feel.

1.4 Blink

An example showing how adding a phase difference between space-filling shapes can lead to a display-like behaviour, as well as show larger scale dynamics.

2.1 Recursive Tree

A fractal tree algorithm using recursion. Also demonstrates how to vary parameters (a) for making a perfect loop and (b) using mouse controls.

3.1 Particle System - Connections

A particle system, with smooth motion through space. Connecting particle pairs within a given distance. The same system can be modified to add more intricate dynamics, physical forces or be used as a drawing agent as shown in the next sketch.

3.2 Particle System - as an Artist

Using the particle system as a drawing agent, by connecting lines between closeby particles and moving them. The initial location of the particles can be used to trace out geometric (or typographical) shapes. Using the blendMode(ADD) gives a nice glowing effect to the trailing wisps of connected particles.

Note: The random initialization of the starting shape function gives rise to a new piece each time. You may try to encode alphabet contours or other shapes using parametric curves.

4 Visualizer for Trigonometric Functions

A visualizer for trigonometric functions like sin, cos and tan, and their combinations. Serves as a reference to test the dynamics and spatial distribution coded using these functions.

5 Mic Input

A minimal example showing how you can use the microphone input to set certain sketch parameters to add interactivity.