Interview about Coralarc Installation Art, winner of the A' Fine Arts and Art Installation Design Award 2023
Coralarc utilizes algorithms to simulate the rules of pushing, and growing among cells. After dynamic stacking along the time axis, it gradually forms an organic curved surface. The work utilizes transparent materials to express the beautiful changing form and pure luster of undersea corals, while its colors are the coexistences of the people interacting with the lights, as well as the scenery on the beautiful bay. Through the properties of material, it echoes the endless coastline and sky when the viewer looks out at the sea, and shows different appearances in different periods.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsWe started by studying the biological principles of coral growth. The curved, organic surfaces are a result of dynamic growth under these factors.Using agent-based modeling, we represented coral growth as a system of interacting cells. Each cell functions as an agent that follows specific rules for movement (pushing) and reproduction (growing).The combination of pushing and growing results in organic, curved surfaces. To refine the aesthetics, we used parametric control to tweak parameters dynamically, ensuring that the form evolves cohesively while maintaining structural balance.
The selection of PETG for the Coralarc Installation Art was a thoughtful decision based on its ability to interact with light, withstand the coastal environment, and emphasize the organic, transparent qualities of the installation. This choice enhances the installation’s connection to the coastal setting, creating an immersive dialogue that evolves with the natural forces at play, whether it's the changing tides, shifting light, or the dynamic atmosphere of the coast.
The process of translating digital coral growth simulations into physical form through 3D printing in the Coralarc Installation Art presented several unique technical challenges, requiring a deep understanding of both computational design and robotic fabrication processes. To achieve this, we developed algorithms that simulate cell pushing and growth, drawing inspiration from natural biological processes.While the digital models were created with great detail, the next challenge was adapting these designs for 3D printing. The models required careful consideration of material flow, print speed, and layer adhesion. The organic, curved surfaces of the coral had to remain stable and maintain their structural integrity once fabricated. To ensure precise control over the printing direction and allow for the creation of large, intricate structures, we employed robotic arms and multi-axis printing techniques.
The dynamic interplay between Coralarc Installation Art and its environment was a key concept in its design. I envisioned the installation as a living, evolving entity that responds to its surroundings in real time, reflecting the natural forces at play, such as the movement of light, the changing tides, and the coastal weather.The transparency and curvature of the materials were specifically chosen to capture and refract light, creating varying patterns and shadows depending on the time of day, the angle of the sun, and atmospheric conditions. For instance, during sunrise and sunset, the installation's transparency would allow the soft, warm hues of the light to pass through, casting intricate, shifting shadows on the surrounding surfaces. In midday, when the light was more direct, the installation’s surface would reflect and refract light, creating different visual effects as the light intensity changed.
The fusion of computational design and artistic expression in Coralarc Installation Art directly reflects my academic background and research focus at both NYCU and FCU. Through my research, I strive to integrate technology with creative exploration, which inspired the conceptual development of this project. This combination of fields allows me to push the boundaries of traditional design, merging computational thinking with natural forms to create something both innovative and aesthetically impactful.
The large scale of the Coralarc Installation Art, measuring 5,000 x 1,500 x 220 millimeters, presented several fabrication challenges that required careful planning of the robotic 3D printing paths to maintain structural integrity while preserving the delicate and organic aesthetic.
The Coralarc Installation Art embodies my vision at ROSO to advance the intersection of robotics, computational thinking, and emerging technologies in architectural design, pushing the boundaries between creative expression and technological innovation. At ROSO, we strive to create designs that are not only visually compelling but also functionally integrated with cutting-edge technologies like robotics and computational design.In the case of Coralarc, the project reflects a seamless fusion of computational algorithms and robotic fabrication, enabling us to explore the organic complexity of coral growth through a digital lens. By leveraging multi-axis robotic arms and 3D printing technologies, Coralarc continually pushes the boundaries in creating large, intricate, and adaptable forms, utilizing the material properties to respond to environmental changes.
The final form was determined based on structural considerations, aesthetics, and certain constraints set during the design process (such as the position of openings and the limitations on the gradual height variations in growth).
Winning the Gold A' Design Award for Coralarc Installation Art has been a deeply motivating experience, affirming the potential of merging computational design with natural forms. This recognition has reinforced my belief in the power of interdisciplinary design, where the integration of technology with nature can lead to innovative and aesthetically impactful results.Moving forward, the award has inspired me to continue pushing the boundaries of computational design. It has also encouraged me to explore more interactive and adaptive elements in future installations—designs that not only respond to their environment but also engage the viewer in a deeper, more immersive experience.Additionally, the success of Coralarc has fueled my interest in experimenting with new materials and fabrication techniques, particularly those that further enhance the sustainability and adaptability of installations. I'm excited to continue developing work that blends art, technology, and nature in increasingly sophisticated ways, with the ultimate goal of creating spaces that inspire, engage, and connect with people on a more meaningful level.
The fusion of biological simulation, computational design, and robotic fabrication will have a profound impact on the future of architectural installations and public art. These technologies not only break the boundaries of traditional artistic creation but also enable the creation of more interactive and life-filled artworks.Biological simulation provides a new source of inspiration for design, allowing for the creation of more organic and lifelike forms by simulating the growth patterns of plants and animals in nature. These forms are no longer confined to straight lines or symmetry but are optimized according to actual needs and environmental changes, demonstrating high flexibility and adaptability.Computational design provides the feasibility of realizing these innovative forms. Through efficient data processing and simulation technologies, designers can precisely control the generation process of complex forms and optimize materials, structures, and functions in the process.Robotic fabrication further advances the realization of these designs, providing high precision and automated production capabilities. In particular, when dealing with large-scale or intricate structures, the flexibility and collaboration of robots ensure the efficient production of designs.Moreover, the future integration of these technologies with Generative AI will bring new possibilities in innovation, expressiveness, sustainability, interactivity, and dynamic performance in architectural installations and public art.
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