Aether

Spatial Behaviour Software Suite

By Matt Gorbet & Kevan Cress. Edited by Philip Beesley

Living Architecture Systems Group

Living Architecture installations behave in expressive ways that can be controlled using simple software interfaces. Aether: Living Architecture Software Suite can support many different kinds of Living Architecture constructions. Aether can be used for applications including small kits explored by young users, sculptures and environments composed by artists, and test-bed environments studied by scientists.

Like diverse species within an ecosystem, objects and devices can be connected by using Aether within a physical installation. Physical devices connected with Aether software infrastructure enable Living Architecture installations to behave in lifelike ways. These coupled arrangements can be controlled and configured using graphical interfaces. The software system can create a virtual ecosystem populated with invisible influence fields, virtual beings and digital twins of the physical installation. Spatialized soundscapes can be generated to further animate the space. These digital and physical worlds can exchange information, communicating and mutually influencing each other.

When sharing space with a Living Architecture installation, kits designed for exploration and other external systems can join this digital ecosystem. Interfaces can be tailored to users with different experience levels. These can allow for easy adjustment of parameters that control behaviour. Deep connections can also be found that control underlying algorithms, allowing users to design new kinds of expressions and experiences.

Open-source licensing is being developed to support collaborative development of this software. Living Architecture Systems Group studio members can work with new collaborators to support access and further development.