Event 1 | EcoCentric Art + Science

On April 21, 2017, I attended the EcoCentric Art + Science Event. In particular, I focused on evolutionary biologist Charles Taylor’s work on the Bird Song Diamond. Dr. Taylor’s project was a collaboration with universities in Japan, mapping the sounds and flocking patterns of birds. Once data was collected, the universities began building a virtual reality based simulation that would immerse humans into a flock of birds. 

Past installation of Dr. Taylor's project in Bird Songs
This experience allowed me to tie in course material from Weeks 1-3. Most prominently, Taylor’s project is an example of a medium derived from art, science, and technology combined – The “Third” Culture. Bird songs are ordinarily seen as a form of music, but Taylor’s team created a simulation based on their database of completely annotated bird song sequences by oscillations, frequency, etc.
  
Picture of Dr. Taylor and me after his presentation


Taylor's team out in the mornings, recording bird calls
This event also helped me connect the material from Weeks 2 and 3, which focus more on the technological aspects. In Week 2, I learned about the relationship between math and art. Computer science is often seen as a form of mathematics, with very logical coding language. In the ‘Large Space’, the beautiful rotating flight trajectories were likely all coded completely into the VR simulator to mimic bird movement, merging both art and math. . In addition to VR, the team was also equipped with flapping robotic bird wings along with a crane that could lift participants above ground. All of these aspects combined helped humans “become” birds.

Crane lifting a person in air to simulate flight in 'Large Space'



Robotic wings created for simulation (Bird Song Diamond)

Ultimately, I would recommend this event immensely. I found that the technology presented was often used in revolutionary ways. Virtual reality, for instance, normally focuses on the gaming industry. Furthermore, Taylor’s presentation made me rethink how human society impacts birds. The VR machine also simulated bird flight through cities, making me realize how dangerous skyscrapers are to bird habitats. 
Skyscrapers often disorient bird navigation (S.China Post)

Sources: 

"People." Birdsong Diamond. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2017







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