Data Physicalization: Blockchain

[3D Blockchain]

This collaborative project was led by myself as the principal applicant, alongside Eleni-Ira Panourgia as co-applicant. The event fosters interdisciplinary research collaboration within the University of Edinburgh, promoting cross-disciplinary engagement with data-driven design and fabrication.

Participants—including undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and research students, as well as staff from Edinburgh College of Art’s Architecture, Art, Digital Media and Culture, Digital Media Studio Project, and Design Informatics—develop skills in working with big data. The project emphasizes creating meaningful narratives from complex datasets through digital modeling and fabrication.

The initiative also attracts a broad range of participants from across the university, including departments such as Informatics, Engineering, Finance, and Business, encouraging a holistic and diverse approach to understanding and visualizing big data.

Summary

3D Blockchain is a big data physicalization project exploring the emerging Blockchain technology and digital economy through cross-disciplinary creative practices. Participants engage in computational design, digital fabrication, and sustainable practice models within the creative economy.

Event Overview:
This event investigates Blockchain and data physicalization via 3D printing. Building on the University of Edinburgh’s extensive work in this field—led by Prof. Chris Speed, Chair of Design Informatics—participants will collaboratively explore Bitcoin and Blockchain applications, values, and big data streams. Together, they will create narratives that interpret the streamed data from Blockchain’s open-source databases.

The creative process culminates in 3D printed artifacts exhibited to demonstrate intangible data values through tangible mediums. This workshop/seminar series contributes to ongoing digital design, fabrication, and digital economy initiatives.

Format and Venue:
Running over three days (Feb 19, 20, and 22), the event consists of 1-hour lunchtime seminars (1–2 pm) followed by 3-hour hands-on digital making workshops (2–5 pm). Hosted at Edinburgh College of Art, Minto House, participants receive materials and training in database use and 3D printing. Technical support is provided by ECA staff, PhD students, technicians, and the uCreate studio, alongside collaboration with the University’s research network, sIREN.

Festival of Creative Learning Values Addressed:

  • Collaborative Participation: Attendees work in groups to complete the project.

  • Cross-disciplinary Research: Use of diverse creative, experimental, and established methodologies focusing on computational design, digital fabrication, and sustainable digital practices in the creative economy.

  • University-wide Networking: Facilitates openness and collaboration across schools including ECA, Informatics, Engineering, Business, and Finance.

  • Engagement with Experts: Interaction with both established and emerging practitioners and researchers.

  • Practice-led Creativity: A hands-on approach integrating creativity, digital technology, entrepreneurship, and economy, engaging with contemporary debates innovatively and thoughtfully.

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