Wanderlost Chapter

Wanderlost

Analyzing art, culture, and design in the digital age / [ed] Gianluca Mura, Hershey, Pennsylvania: IGI Global, 2015, p. 71-78 Chapter in book (Refereed)

Abstract [en]
In this chapter, I will discuss an art and design project called wanderlost, where we through co-creation try to populate a virtual world with people, objects, and architecture. In this project stage, we have developed a method for gathering input and inspiration for the early stages in the design process of designing virtual worlds. I will through some examples of work show how worlds, real and virtual are as much made as found, and how they can be used to challenge each other into new forms of experiences and expressions, of both physical and virtual spaces. Where the virtual space transformed into maps & instructions can challenge the physical with qualities that are very hard to achieve in the physical world itself, and in that conflict new insights and expressions can be revealed. Today Hybrid creations have become a method for working with cultural production not only with different elements of form but as blending identities of the creators as well, wanderlost support that process. We show how we from the virtual settings of the city of Traora we have extracted a series of walks as instructions and invited different co-creators to explore these algorithmic walks in their everyday surrounding in order to be surprised by rediscovery, using a digital camera/smartphone to capture and later communicate their findings. Allowing the unfamiliar to co-exist with the comfortably familiar. To create a process where digital worlds challenge and inspire digital expressions, tools, and models with physical play and exploration. Supporting our long-term aim with research in new media is to set up design methods that can be used in a creative and collaborative process. We show how these findings played a crucial role in designing the virtual city Traora. The wanderlost method turns everyday walks into discoveries of both urban contexts as well as ideas for possible virtual worlds.

Keywords [en]
augmented reality, computer graphics, creative environments, cyber architecture, digital art, social media, virtual art, virtual heritage
National Category
Design Arts