S.O.N.A.R
Self-Organizing Nebulous Architectural Response
S.O.N.A.R is a kinetic prototype based in part upon my earlier post: Swarm Architectures in virtual space.
Sonar represents a form derived through avatar behavior: a digital formal expression that is intricately linked with and dependent upon human social interaction. Sonar also refers to a specific property of the prototype that allows it to send signals and detect the presence of avatars and its own objects in virtual space.
Sonar is an assemblage of several independent elements which emanate from the surrounding landscape and materialize around individual avatars. The 'nebulous' structure of Sonar allows for tremendous formal flexibility as its elements can congeal to form objects or disperse into a visually diminished field condition. The swarming nature provides both an ethereal aesthetic as well as a sense of the ‘liquid’ nature of virtual space. The system is expected to act randomly; manifesting patterns that will begin to emerge through play between avatars and the swarming elements. These patterns will be recorded and analyzed for future iterations of Sonar's evolution.
While Sonar is not a true swarm (autonomous inter-relating elements) this prototype possesses the capability to respond to avatar movement to produce cohesive, measurable, and evolving architectural form. With the help of scripting wizards at Involve Inc. we were able to produce a form exhibiting properties of self organization and real-time responsiveness to avatar behavior. While this dynamic form is interesting in its own right, it is to be considered the first iteration of a series examining the development of emergent form through avatar/scripted object relationships. Specifically, we will be looking at formal emergence as a property of such 'liquid' virtual architectures while we identify the boundaries, conditions, and behaviors produce these dynamic forms.
