This project examines how artistic processes and forms of communication contribute to scientific and design problem-solving. By bringing together scientists, engineers and artists for a pilot study of interdisciplinary collaboration at Purdue University, the PIs aim to convey the significance of this new nature [next generation knowledge] in images and tangible artifacts, data visualization, engineered design prototypes, generative and kinetic installations for the public. The resulting case study and empirical evaluation of the social and collaborative process across disciplines will be an important step towards the successful development of a Center for Creative Collaboration (CCC) at Purdue University. The PIs envision the Center for Creative Collaboration as a variable network connecting science, engineering and the arts on Purdue's West Lafayette campus to enrich STEM education and provide a local model for STE(A)M (STEM disciplines plus Art) which emphasizes creativity and innovation; critical thinking and problem-solving; flexibility and adaptability; communication and collaboration.
Recent research in engineering, computer science and bioscience is revolutionizing our understanding of nature from the nano to the global. Rapidly changing knowledge about the natural environment in relationship to the 'new natures' presents new challenges for the development of strategies in computer science and engineering and in turn influence new generations of computational and engineering methods, technologies and materials. At the same time, contemporary artistic interventions are creating a critical public dialog about social, cultural and aesthetic affordances and implications of these 'new natures'. The proposed interdisciplinary educational framework for this project combines art, science and engineering strategies in the exploration of the natural environment and the 'new natures' in three interrelated project components: (1) a course titled "Images of Nature" that will bring together students from a range of disciplines at Purdue University, combining STEM disciplines with the Arts and Design; (2) a public exhibition of the devices, sculptures, computer graphics applications; photographs, etc. resulting from the course in an empty storefront in Downtown Lafayette, IN - the community surrounding Purdue University and; (3) a summer program exploring the theme of "Images of Nature" for Indiana area high school juniors from communities currently underrepresented at Purdue. By developing interdisciplinary approaches to image production guided by metaphorical thinking and polysensorial (i.e. engaging more than the sense of sight) technology, the experimental course and summer program will contribute to solving two larger problems: 1) scientists communicating their knowledge to the public and; 2) creating opportunities for artists to interpret contemporary understandings of nature created by new explorations in science and technology. These project goals will educate a new generation of scientist and artists who learn the benefits of cross-disciplinary inquiry.
The goal of the Images of Nature project was to research and ultimately develop strategies to create and implement a local model for interdisciplinary collaboration at Purdue University – between the arts/design, engineering and science fields. In their approach to collaboration, the PIs were interested in intense interdisciplinary interactions, where all disciplinary participants contributed to the final outcomes. This approach contrasts with more typical "team" approaches, in which one leader has the final say in what will be done. The activities of the project centered on a theme of overarching significance to all of the participating disciplines – images of nature. This theme was broad enough to solicit interdisciplinary responses to the changing natural environment and the way that the public understands them through representations or artifacts that convey new knowledge about nature based on current research and technological developments. The PIs implemented this idea in a variety of ways that included: an interdisciplinary course at Purdue University in Spring 2011; an exhibition of resulting artifacts from the class in an empty storefront turned into an alternative exhibition space for the community in downtown Lafayette, IN in April 2011; a symposium with expert guest presenters responding to the exhibition artifacts and more generally interdisciplinary collaboration; a one-week residential summer program for high school youth from demographic groups currently underrepresented at Purdue University, and a lecture series at Purdue’s Envision Center on data visualization. In the process of carrying out the project, the participants and the PIs found a number of important factors that shape the dynamics of interdisciplinary collaboration across different engineering and art disciplines. While some findings are specific to the local environment of the research project, they provide a helpful case study for institutions and organizations interested in building a culture of interdisciplinary collaboration. In terms of advertising for interdisciplinary experiences and populating interdisciplinary classes, the role of "gatekeepers" (academic advisers, committee chairs, etc.) cannot be underestimated, since they are frequently in positions to permit or prohibit students’ enrollment. Once an interdisciplinary group of people has come together, collaboration cannot be an afterthought, but needs to be addressed even before work on a project begins – ideally by collaboratively finding a problem that is of significant interest and disciplinary importance to all involved parties. In addition, a working space that also allows for informal learning and communication is an important catalyst for the development of a bridging vocabulary between the disciplines, sharing ideas and supporting bottom-up group formation that led to creative and innovative interdisciplinary projects. PI McMullen’s co-authored paper "Pedagogical Experiments in Art and Technology (P.E.A.T): Understanding the Group Formation Process" discusses group formation as a social process important in an interdisciplinary project. In the case of Images of Nature, the PIs implemented a project-based learning model to shape the group formation process along with offering a framework for coordination, knowledge-sharing and communication. Personality did play a role in the group formation process from the perspective of the students. However, this did not prevent group members from ‘pulling their own weight’ without over-involved members or social loafers. This is significant, because existing research claims that students reap optimal personal and academic outcomes when they are wholly invested in the intellectual and social development of the group. Finally, the PIs began to articulate and argue for the position that in exchanges and collaborations between arts, sciences and technology disciplines, the contribution of art has to go beyond mere illustration and beyond only a superficial understanding of the scientific/engineering methods and findings artists might be interested in engaging. Ideally artists would have a long-term involvement in labs and fieldwork, working alongside scientists and engineers to engage more critically with the implications and impacts of their work. These findings have already resulted in further interdisciplinary endeavors and collaborative projects between the arts and engineering/science disciplines at Purdue University. Concrete examples of these ongoing exchanges started by the work conducted through this grant include: the PIs are working with the newly founded Purdue University Honors College on an interdisciplinary program related to food security with the participation of honors students from across the University (Spring 2013); Purdue’s College of Liberal Arts has adopted the interdisciplinary Images of Nature Summer Program as a model for future annual/biannual residential summer programs for underrepresented minorities; the structure and outcomes of the Images of Nature course have generated industry interest in similar classes offered by the PIs at Purdue that bring together art/engineering/science disciplines; some Purdue engineering faculty exposed to the activities in the Images of Nature program have expressed interest in including art/design strategies and principles (such "art critique," tinkering workshops, etc.) into new curricular efforts for engineering innovation. The Images of Nature project is documented online at: www.gardensandmachines.com/Imagesofnatureseminar (interdisciplinary class) and www.gardensandmachines.com/Summerprogram (interdisciplinary summer program).
