Imagine walking into a university building and being surrounded by a profusion of interactive visual artworks created by data from the resident scientists and staff, electronically displayed on walls and ceilings.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s the reality in Curtin University of Technology\u2019s new $116 million Resources and Chemistry Precinct. It\u2019s a building that is not only functional, but also incorporates aesthetics and art directly into the core of its design.<\/p>\n
The electronic artwork \u2015 i-500 \u2015 is embedded in the Precinct\u2019s main foyer, and was developed by an international team headed by Curtin\u2019s Director of the Centre for Research in Art, Science and Humanity, Associate Professor Paul Thomas.<\/p>\n
He said the electronic art was generated by a series of computer algorithms that take source material from all over the building.<\/p>\n
\u201cInteractivity is one of the most important aspects of the design,\u201d Associate Professor Thomas said.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsing data created by the building\u2019s users, the artwork displays stunning images on the ceiling of the main foyer and on the walls of a number of rooms and hallways, backed by evocative sounds.<\/p>\n
\u201cResearch data can be sent for inclusion from within the building over the intranet to the main computer, allowing users to participate wherever they are.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe system also uses motion sensors, capturing the movement of people in the building and incorporating these images into the artwork.\u201d<\/p>\n
i-500\u2019s main display is powered by two 6,000 lumen projectors, which direct an evolving display onto the ceiling. Another 15 digital screens throughout the Precinct connect with the major artwork as echo nodes.<\/p>\n