Thirteenth International Conference on Design Principles & Practices

Abstract

The term ‘data tectonics’ is introduced as a set of guiding principles for integrating the art and science of immersive and physical data-driven artworks. This is a preliminary discussion that explores new ways of thinking about immersive data experiences inspired by long-standing practices used in architectural design. As the distinction between architecture and interface dissolves, the complexity in designing and building 3-dimensional interactive physical systems warrants a consideration of the existing principles used for centuries of architectural practice. The study of tectonics examines the connections between materiality, structure, representation, fabrication techniques and environment that as a whole create a narrative meaning. Based on a review of the meaning and use of the term in architecture, this paper introduces a set of core principles that can guide collaborative design teams towards an integrated construction of efficient, effective and legible data representations at all scales and degrees of physicality.