POLITECNICO DI MILANO
Study Abroad Experience
I had the privilege of spending a semester abroad at the Politecnico Di Milano, a university renown for its creative and scientific approach to research. I participated in two master's level studio courses: one focusing on data-driven design and data publics, and the other exploring regenerative and circular materials.
ReALITY (UN)RENDERED
Reality (Un)Rendered is a triptych of posters that highlights visual and contextual clues to identify the use of artificial intelligence in seemingly realistic Instagram reels. The posters are accompanied by a tablet on a table, playing a looped selection of videos to provide viewing context. The project is based on a dataset of 34 Instagram videos collected through keyword searches such as “AI”, “FYP” and “Sora”. Comments referring to AI use or perceived realism were extracted and categorized into eight AI indicators. Frames that best represent each indicator were organized from most evident to most subtle, moving from immediate visual cues to signs that require critical reasoning. The artifact aims to help audiences recognize AI in highly realistic video content.
ROOT REBIRTH
Root Rebirth approaches living materials not as finished objects, but as relationships sustained through care, time, and attention. Growing seeds and root structures resist control, revealing fragility, adaptability, and change as core material qualities. The material outcome becomes an act of tending rather than making.
The proposed applications embody this shift. A watering reminder marks time and responsibility, body and face shaped moulds allow growth to trace human absence and presence, a living shroud integrates roots and fabric in a process of emergence and decay. Each form evolves through interaction, making transformation visible and unavoidable.
Through sensory and affective engagement, the material evokes care, intimacy, and unease, and growth and decay become tools for remembrance, ritual, and ongoing connection.
