Geometry Lab
Friday, November 3, 2017 to Sunday, November 5, 2017
A 3D Eyecatcher – Geometry Lab
On November 3 to 5 the Visual Computing Institute staged the Geometry Lab: an event where works of art meet scientific exhibits. Located in the Ludwig Forum art gallery, the exhibition displayed an entire spectrum from classical geometric phenomena to modern research areas. In addition, workshops were held for participants to fold paper into fascinating forms, build complex structures with Zometool, or even assemble their very own 3D printer.
Virtual House Calls, Optical Illusions, and a 3D Printout of the Supermarket Lady
In an optical illusion, two individuals of the same size were suddenly turned into a giant and a dwarf. In the Geometric Garden, four objects were brought to spatial life thanks to virtual reality. Visitors could enter virtual buildings and observe how the digital model of statues develops. An ultramodern drafting machine created complex shapes.
Ludwig Forum Aachen's most famous piece, the “Supermarket Lady,” a pop art sculpture by Duane Hanson, was printed live in the original size by a 3D printer measuring 2.3 meters high and built specifically for the exhibition.
When a Picture Brings a Tablet to Life
The scientific objects were supplemented by a large picture by Aachen artist Tim Berresheim, which when viewed through a tablet or cell phone, took on a three-dimensional, moving life of its own. The exhibition also included work by math-inspired artist Rinus Roelof, who folded aesthetic geometric shapes out of paper with workshop participants.
In another workshop, Leif Kobbelt built 3D printers with participants that they could then take home. Every visitor had the opportunity to play with geometric shapes and toys in the large play area – the pieces were provided by Zometool, among others, a manufacturer specializing in science toys.
Science Talk on Sunday
Sunday morning offered an entertaining revue of geometry and the exhibition.
What is geometry? How is it important to science and art? What role does it play in our everyday life? Short presentations and a discussion round followed providing answers.
Dr. Andreas Beitin (Director of the Ludwig Forum): The digital and art — interactive and web-based media art. A summary of medial (pre)history
Rinus Roelofs (math-inspired artist): How Art Can Help to Understand Mathematics (in English)
Prof. Dr. Helmut Pottmann (TU Wien): Architectural geometry
Prof. Dr. Leif Kobbelt (VCI, RWTH Aachen): Geometry 4.0
Moderation: Bernd Büttgens
Geometry Lab on the FutureLab Aachen website
Information about the workshops offered
(German version of this text by FutureLab Aachen)