MULTIDISCIPLINARY PROJECT II / FINAL ASMT

Naura / 0356798 / Interactive Spatial Design
MDP60104 / Multidisciplinary Project II
Final Assignment

__________________________________________________________

This final four-week phase represents the culmination of a semester-long iterative process. While the project evolved as a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) due to technical and budgetary constraints, particularly regarding digital integration as the focus remained on a high-fidelity spatial experience. The design simulates the daily precarity of life in Gaza, utilizing cramped, rubbled environments and low-light conditions to evoke the constant threat of surveillance and bombardment. These physical zones are augmented by focused digital interactions, such as a "peeking facade," which translates casualty statistics into an intimate, embodied perspective.

Below are the breakdowns of what I've done so far:

Spatial Design:

Due to hardware limitations, the following visualizations focus on materiality and spatial volume. These were rendered using Blender to accurately simulate the texture, prioritizing accuracy over real-time rendering speeds.

Digital Interactions / HCI / Programming

Below is the final output of my generative sketch. As this was my first deep dive into p5.js, my process was highly experimental and fluid, prioritizing the understanding of fundamental coding principles over sequential documentation. Consequently, the visual result presented here is the culmination of that intense learning period.

While my original intent was to create a more organic visualization, my current technical constraints resulted in a "blocky," highly digitized aesthetic. However, upon reflection, this rigid, technical look inadvertently complements the Deconstructivist nature of the wider installation. It strips the visuals down to their structural components, much like the architecture I am referencing. In future iterations, I plan to refine the code to introduce more fluidity, bridging the gap between my conceptual vision and technical execution.

A working prototype using an iPad and phone to house the p5.js code, masked by a cardboard facade. The cardboard was selected for this stage to quickly test the depth and "rugged" visual language of the viewing aperture. Future iterations will transition to 3D-printed components for higher fidelity, but the current setup successfully validates the concept of "inverted voids" and restricted viewing angles.

How it looks like and link to each code:

Watermelon Sweep: https://editor.p5js.org/nauramutia804/full/grq2AOw_J

"Witness" : https://editor.p5js.org/nauramutia804/full/OrDotwFm0

"Kid on a Swing": https://editor.p5js.org/nauramutia804/full/Loxa9L_7_

One significant challenge encountered in this phase was implementing a dynamic heatmap. When attempting to merge the heatmap rendering with the full dataset, the processing load exceeded system limits, resulting in timeouts. Consequently, I pivoted to a dual-visualization approach to ensure stability while preserving the integrity of the data.

The heatmap effect done in TouchDesigner

Face and Age Detection + Dataset on P5js
Detection: https://editor.p5js.org/nauramutia804/full/nuu3e-bzF

To my Final presentation slides

To my A2 poster

Reflection:

Reflecting on this 14-week journey, I recognize that my ambition for this project often exceeded the time and technical resources available. While I am not entirely satisfied with the final fidelity of the prototype as I constantly see areas where the code or fabrication could be pushed further, but I am proud of what I achieved within the constraints. There were moments of significant challenge and burnout, but navigating those hurdles taught me resilience and the importance of scoping a project realistically.

The most rewarding discovery of this semester has been finding a genuine passion for creative coding. I found the process of writing code to generate visuals surprisingly engaging, and I intend to refine this skillset to integrate it more deeply into my future artistic practice. Additionally, learning new methodologies like bubble diagrams was a highlight, giving me a new framework to organize complex thoughts.

Ultimately, this project forced me to work across multiple disciplines as it merges coding, 3D modeling, sound design, and graphic design. It has laid a strong foundation for my identity as a multidisciplinary creative technologist.