Fluid Leaves

A procedural approach to pattern design. The project was part of an exhibition at the University of Technology Sydney
 with artists Iris van Herpen, Universal Everything, Ben Fry & others

Project Details

Exhibition
University of Technology Sydney

Processing libraries
Geomerative, ControlP5,
Toxiclibs, Mesh

Example of the patterns on take away cups. Variable printing allows each cup to have its unique pattern.

The patterns are random simulations of fluids loosely inspired by tea as it steeps. A brute-force shape-packing algorithm ensures that leaves don’t overlap.

Initial patterns were basic geometric or random functions which were then developed to incorporate Perlin noise, displacement maps,  and eventually fluid dynamics (see below).

In a program made in ‘Processing‘ the structure of base leaf forms can be defined. Each ‘vein’ of a leaf can potentially act as a new stem allowing for nested, fern-like leaves. The degree of freedom is assigned for attributes such the number of veins, distribution, rotation, length etc. Noise and waveforms can be used to encourage more organic forms.

 

like a kind of compass arm, the ‘veins’ of the leaf determines the contour of the shape. The forms are drawn out uniquely with each iteration, based on the general parameters assigned.

Example of some base leaf forms. The forms can either be used as leaves (as shown here) or as flowers where leaf forms are combined with eachother or as twigs where their veins are used to hang leaves or flowers on (see lavender examples below)

Using fluid dynamics as demononstrated in a sketch on openprocessing and ‘springs’ in the ‘processing’ library, ‘toxiclibs‘ help create vector paths for the leaves to build upon and create a liquid feel.

Other experiments included generating displacement maps to: break the shapes apart with Voronoi meshes, create colour gradiations, allow for texture mapping and blur the resulting image with a gaussian blur kernel.

The project was exhibited in University of Technology Sydney
’s exhibition, ‘Hello World: Code and Design’.
Photography: Campbell Henderson

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