Creative Technology Hub

The Creative Technology Hub supports emerging technology projects that involve programming, electronics and the experimental use of AV equipment, through one-to-one support, sign-up workshops and a large store of equipment.

This area is project-led, which means that you’ll learn through hands-on practice, and be supported by a team of expert technicians working across each of our specialist areas:

• Creative coding
• Physical computing
• Projection mapping
• Extended Reality (XR)
• Machine learning.

Our technical team can help you to:

• Break down your initial ideas
• Identify the skills you need to learn
• Learn how to get started
• Troubleshoot projects
• Debug code.

Specialist areas

The Creative Technology Hub focuses on the following areas:

Creative coding

Creative coding explores programming as both a medium and a tool. It can either slot into an existing practice to generate assets and ideas, or be investigated as a form itself, where it can generate endless designs and speculations.

You’ll start your journey in creative coding by learning how to program with JavaScript, which is beginner-friendly and a widely transferable kill.

Physical computing

Physical computing components, such as microcontrollers, sensors, actuators, and other hardware devices, can bring interactive art to life.

This innovative approach seamlessly blends the digital and physical realms, facilitating real-time interactions, responsive behaviours, and dynamic visual or auditory elements. Depending on your specific application, you’ll have a choice of tools to build your tangible creations, such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi.

Projection mapping

Whether it’s a cinematic video or an interactive project,  you’ll have the opportunity to present your work in a variety of formats by projecting onto any irregular object or 3D surface.

Using Touchdesigner - often in combination with other technologies and micro-controllers - you’ll be introduced to the masking technique of projection mapping, along with other possibilities in visual programming.

VR, AR and games

‘Extended Reality’ (XR) involves the use of game engines and other 3D software to create experiences ranging from virtual realities and virtual worlds to augmented realities, where digital content can enhance our physical surroundings. 

The Creative Tech Hub supports all uses of these technologies - whether for game design, architectural visualisation, branding or UX/UI applications. You might also be interested in exploring a variety of input and output interfaces such as motion capture devices, mobile devices or virtual reality headsets. 

Some resources will require you to complete an induction before you can access them, and may be prioritised/booked for certain courses which specialise in the associated area.

Machine learning

In this area, you’ll explore how the versatile Python programming language can be used for your creative projects, and consider how to harness its capabilities in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

You’ll be introduced to libraries such as Tensorflow and PyTorch, which can be used for creating artificial images with generative models (GANS). You’ll learn how to manipulate data with Numpy and Pandas, and use the PyGame library to develop games. You’ll also consider how Python can interact with other software such as Blender and TouchDesigner.

Specialist hardware:

Our Creative Technology Hub has a variety of equipment available to students for projects and exhibitions. Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to:

Creative coding

• Tracking
• HD/4K webcams
• Audio interfaces
• ArtNet lighting interfaces
• RFID

Physical computing

• Arduino Kit
• Raspberry Pi Kit
• Other microcontrollers such as Feather and Flora
• Sensors in areas such as colour, distance, motion and heartbeat
• Wireless communication
• Soldering equipment
• Essential electronics including resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors
• Popular Components including: light strips, buttons and servo motors

Projection mapping

• MadMapper licenses
• Projectors ranging from 750lm pico to 5,500lm HD installation machines

Virtual Reality and games

• Range of HTC and Meta Quest headsets
• Room-scale VR booths with VR and motion tracking peripherals
• Mobile devices for game development and AR capability testing
• Range of VR peripherals and accessories.