In three tandem presentations and conversations between scientists and artists we explore how they engage with each other, what topics drive them, and what research is currently happening in the field of AI at the ETH AI Center.

Artistic interest and work in the fields of science and technology, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI), has been ongoing for over half a century. Lately, these attempts have generated a lot of attention and turned art into a topic of high interest in science and technology research, as well as development thanks to AI affecting all of human society.

Following anthropologist, anarchist and activist David Graeber's observation that real thought is almost entirely dialogic and mainly in conversation, we engage with each other to open the «window of consciousness – that time during which most of us actually are full self-​aware, self-​reflective beings» as long as possible. Transdisciplinary conversations therefore are crucial in the demystifying the future of AI.

Christian Waldvogel + Fabio Gramazio

As a part of Gramazio Kohler Architects Fabio Gramazio opened the world’s first architectural robotic laboratory at ETH Zurich and is researching additive digital fabrication techniques used for building non-​standardized architectural components. With this kind of three-​dimensional printing process they interweave functional and aesthetic qualities into structures and “inform” architecture through to the level of material.

One of Christian Waldvogel’s scientific artistic thought experiments - a hyperbolic cosmology of inversion - led to the discovery of Adaptive Density Minimal Surfaces (ADMS) and to the founding of spherene AG, that develops Autonomous Design software used in 3D printing for various high-​tech applications such as medical implants or satellite components. He elegantly bridged the gap from conceptual art to tech innovation.

Three-​dimensional printing of complex aesthetic «structures» is the meeting place of Gramzio’s and Waldvogel’s practices, both combining architecture, art and technology thinking in their work.