Encoding The Meaning

Embodying Message Through Tangible Medium

Danning Liang
MDes Mediums 2024
Selin Dursun
MDes Mediums 2024
Yuto Takenaka
DDes 2023
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1 Simulation of language encoding, showing bridge toolpath

Every day we participate in encoding and decoding information, some are evident to human inspection, while others require more complex interpretation. In most cases, information is encoded through print and digital mediums. Therefore, we set out to encode the meanings through tangible forms.

We experimented with 3 different systems of encoding, the encoding of sound, letter, and image. By applying simple rules to geometry, we were able to embody letters, notes, and pixels through different configurations of curves and points. In turn, the accumulation of these representations forms songs, sentences, and pictures. Through Grasshopper and c#, we encoded it further into machine codes which were materialized through FDM printing.

Moving forward, we want to experiment further with the decoding process, where the physical forms may be scanned, deconstructed into simple geometry entities, and returned to the meanings they carry.

Project video
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2 Printing in progress (sound encoding form)
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3 Simulation by layers of sound encoding form
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4 Simulation by layers of dodecahedron
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5 Danning examining a print in progress