Creative coding in Art & craft school Robotti

Tomi Dufva Aalto-University, School of Arts, Design & Architecture tomi.dufva@aalto.fi tomidufva

• hackerspace for children

• non-profit association

• regular weekly classes

• workshops for all

• Alternative perspective to examine technology

• Alternative space to relate to technology

• Being active citizens in the digital world

• to emphasize the role of art has in our digital

world

Creative Coding

Creative coding is a type of computer programming in which the goal is to create something expressive instead of something functional. - The Art of Creative Coding: http://www.pbs.org/video/2322911761/

Creative Coding

Creative code may sound like an oxymoron, but as in many technical processes in the art studio, creativity may emerge once rules are learned and then broken - Knochel & Patton

Creative Coding

• Goal is not the function

• Creative coding as a tool to critical

understanding of digital technologies

• Goes beyond common understanding of

coding: electronics, circuit bending,

glitching, hacking

”Art gives freedom to explore: There is no wrong kind of code

Or if there is it can be interesting” -Teacher, Käsityökoulu Robotti

Creative coding at Käsityökoulu Robotti

”… also inspecting electricity through sound, instead of metering

can be seen as art educational activity” -Teacher, Käsityökoulu Robotti

Creative coding at Käsityökoulu Robotti

”Creatively examining our coded structures can evoke critical understanding of these surroundings”

-Teacher, Käsityökoulu Robotti

"well y'see THERE'S your problem!” Creative coding at Käsityökoulu Robotti

if you can’t open it you don’t own it

Creative coding at Käsityökoulu Robotti

INSPIRING:

• Doing together, Peer learning

• Freedom to experiment

• More embodied understanding, also lends to more critical understanding.

CHALLENGING:

- Getting the courage to try

- Not knowing where to start

- To find balance between instructing and giving space for experimentation

Creative coding at Käsityökoulu Robotti

Thank you!

Tomi Dufva Aalto-University, School of Arts, Design & Architecture tomi.dufva@aalto.fi tomidufva