Event #1: California Science Center

I gave the California Science Center a visit this past weekend to find some fascinating installations on exhibit. There were installations on aircraft design, fear and how that affects the human body, and an exhibition called "Creative World," where I spent most of my time at the science center. I quickly walked over to the area where nanotechnologies were on display, as I remembered one of the class's weeks focused on art and nanotechnology. I often think of nanotechnology only being used in technical items, such as computers and other digital devices. But this installation opened my eyes to the common ways nanotechnology is used, such as designing shoes, which also is a great example of how nanotechnology is the intersection of art and technology.

Another installation I walked by was about structures and shapes that made buildings sturdy. Engineers must decide what shapes work best to support buildings and how to make them sturdy, while architects design buildings to fit the use of the space while being visually appealing. Buildings are an intersection of art and math through the meticulous calculation needed for a strong and safe building and the keen eye for details needed for the design of a building.

My visit to the California Science Center will help me in designing my midterm project by opening my eyes to some topics I could write about and gave me some great real life examples of topics we will be covering in class. Furthermore, from my visit I can also start brainstorming what areas of the intersection of art and science interest me so I can begin to explore some artists to write about.
  
Nanotechnology and cleats
Sturdy structures and buildings

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