We will learn about how simple rules can generate complex objects using different procedural techniques.

1. Tree shapes using L-Tree systems
2. Spots, stripes and other patterns using 2D cellular automatas
3. Crystals using 3D cellular automatas

Week 1: How things grow?

In this class we are going to learn about genetic algorithms through a practical example.

We will see how to modify the genes of a cellular automata and define a fitness rule in order to describe which patterns pass its genes to the next generation.

Week 2: How things evolve?

We will learn about reinforcement learning, the algorithm behind how humans and robot vacuum cleaners work.

We are going to train our computer to learn how to move the body of an artificial being.

Week 3: How things learn?

We will learn how to model societies inspired in SimCity and biological systems like bird flocks.

Week 4: How things interact in groups?

We will learn how language can emerge as a need to solve a problem that requires cooperation. We will train state of the art language models like GPT-2.

Week 5: How things communicate?

Learn what are the logic rules behind natural phenomenons and how we can simulate and modify them using a computer

Artificial World Building

Learn what are the logic rules behind natural phenomenons and how we can simulate and modify them using a computer.

Cohort #1

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Event

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Prompt

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Retrospective


## Description

Have you ever wondered how tree structure is formed? What about crystals? And what about more complex stuff? How living beings and societies work? If you would like to improve your understanding of the world a little bit more through a practical point of view this is the course for you.


### **I hope to explore the following questions in this class…**

* What are the logic rules behind natural phenomenons?
* How can I simulate and modify them using a computer?

## Structure

* Lessons: There is 1 session per week, 2 hour long
* Lessons are **recorded** and shared with students in case they missed the class or in case they want to review the class
* There is a **forum** to ask and share anything at anytime

## Tools

- Python and Google Colab
- Blender

## Schedule

### **Week 1:** How things grow?

We will learn about how simple rules can generate complex figures using different procedural techniques with Python

1. Tree shapes using L-Tree systems
 2. 2D cellular automatas for spots, stripes and other patterns
 3. 3D cellular automatas for crystals

### **Week 2:** How things evolve?

We will learn about genetic algorithms through a practical examples using python. We will see how to modify the genes of a cellular automata and define a fitness rule to define which shapes pass its genes to the next generation.

### **Week 3:** How things learn?

We will learn about reinforcement learning the algorithm behind how humans and robot vacuum cleaners work. We will train our computer to learn how to move the body of an artificial being.

### **Week 4:** How things interact?

We will learn how to model simple societies inspired in SimCity and bird flocks

### **Week 5:** How things communicate?

We will learn how language can emerge as a need to solve a problem that requires cooperation. We will train state of the art language models like GPT-2.

## Prerequisites
- Basic programming skills are useful but not required