I chose a hollow tree for the virtual creation to reside in. From both a zoological and conceptual standpoint, hollow trees have a lot of significance. Hollow trees serve as habitats for many species, providing them with a safe place to rear and feed their young, while also protecting them from predators. On a conceptual level, there are stories about hollow trees that suggest they can maintain our secrets and preserve them for eternity.
The idea of placing the virtual creation inside a hollow tree represents the concept of new life being born from decay, a reminder of the cyclical nature of life and death. The hollow tree also symbolizes the idea of protection and preservation, as the virtual creation grows and matures, developing a deeper connection to the natural world around it.
The Image is showing a 3D scan of the selected spot.
To create the virtual creation, I studied the development process of a pigeon from the first day of hatching until the time the bird is ready to fly and leaves the nest. This process takes almost 47 days, during which specific developments occur each day, and even each hour. By analyzing this process, I gained a better understanding of the different stages of development and how they contribute to the creation's growth and behavior. In parallel to my research, I also searched for the visual elements of each development phase in general, examining how it looks to humans and how they perceive it. I sought to understand the responsibility and significance of each development phase and how it shapes the creation's behavior and identity. The virtual creation will mimic the developmental process of a pigeon, with each stage of development represented in a unique way. By using this development process as a framework, I hope to spark a conversation about the relationship between nature and technology, and how we can use technology to better understand and appreciate the natural world.
To bring the virtual creation to life, I created a unique animated 3D model inspired by each development phase. In designing each model, I carefully considered both the anatomy and conceptual aspects of the phase, ensuring that each model accurately represented the natural process of growth and development. To enable the 3D model to show progress over time, I designed it in a way that could be programmed to display changes during each hour and minute of virtual development. This was achieved by programming the 3D vertices, arrays, and counts, as well as material and shaders, and transformations, etc. By using a unique 3D model for each development phase, I aim to create a rich and immersive experience that captures the intricacy of the natural world
To ensure that visitors to the project can track the progress of the virtual creation, I created my own decoding formula and shared it with the tech company behind the Kunstwanderweg XR project. This formula enables visitors to receive a unique HATCH code that contains the exact trigger time of the project, including the year, month, day, hour, and minute. When a visitor encounters the virtual creation in the forest, they can simply tap a button to receive their HATCH code. They can then use this code in the standalone VR/AR or PC application to generate a timeline that shows the development of the virtual creation from its inception to the current moment.
As part of my project, I'm using an ancient method of trading by creating clay coins with unique codes on them. this clay coin is a symbol of the project's concept of connecting ancient traditions with modern technology. Each code represents the exact date and time that the coin was made. By submitting this code to the application, the owner of the coin can track the development of the project based on their specific code. Through this use of an ancient method of trading, I'm trying to connect the past and present and explore the intersection of technology and traditional craft.
