Architectonics

BACKGROUND: 'Architectonics' was a real-time projection mapping installation over the entire facade of Storey Hall, performed live at White Night Melbourne 2016. The work exemplifies Batty's merging of previously disparate methods of working with light and sound and his command of digital fluency over modern technology to create transcendental moments of awe. CONTRIBUTION: This research explored a variety of architectural perceptual tricks with an extreme level of detail. With the aid of custom visual granular synthesis software (developed by Batty), the architectural features of the building were disintegrated and rebuilt into an evolving generative form throughout the night. This project contributes to Batty's ongoing research exploring the intersection between audio-visual art, computer science and musical performance. SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of 'Architectonics' is evidenced by its selection, after a competitive expression of interest process, for White Night Melbourne, a one night only, showcase of exhibitions and interactive events throughout the CBD. The 12 hour event is a State Government of Victoria initiative and major contribution to Australia's cultural calendar. White Night Melbourne 2016 was attended by an estimated 580,000 people. Batty's work featured alongside prominent artists such as OCUBO and Craig Walsh. The installation led to the creation of custom projection mapping software that facilitated offsetting architectural features to create a technique known as 'chasers'. At this time, no other commercial mapping software facilitated the chaser technique, requiring artists to create renders in 3D modelling programs. As a result, the project's source code has been released as open source for community benefit.