Recode :
Interactive AR Installation
Recode is an interactive AR installation that is composed of abstract math art prints created by a novel tile-based art program developed by computational artist Sabin Timalsena, where the patterns in print can be changed via interaction in AR, with a showcase of 3D generative art inside the virtual space created by the installation.
The patterns (on print) are generated by a program that works on a hexagonal grid. This idea is inspired by Truchet Tiling pioneered by Sebastian Truchet in 1704. In the past century, many other similar ideas have emerged for designing patterns in this manner, usually consisting of a either a single motif pattern, or a palette of 3-4 compatible patterns as units in creating larger, non-repeating patterns (example). The tiles need not be rectangular, hexagonal and octahedral tiles are also popular choices. I created hexagonal tiles with sub-tile features that are parameterized in order to explore different styles. In the adjacent video, you can see how the tiles stay when individually rotated create a change in the larger pattern while keeping it seamless. Below is a gallery of several outputs of this system.
(mock-up of AR animation at planned location)
AR Effects
The interaction in AR provides a way to reshuffle the patterns. AR is activated via scanning a QR code at the bottom of the mural, and built using ThreeJS/AFrame/8thwall as the framework.
Whenever a participant clicks on a tile in the camera view of their mobile phone, it starts a wave of transformation at the selected tile that propagates through the mural until it is completely transformed.
Adjacent videos show what the animation looks like, and also a “debug view” of the underlying system.