The Neuro-Design Lab (ND Lab) is directed by Professor Maurice Benayoun and co-directed by Dr. Tobias Klein. Exploring the distance that separates Data and Matter, Sublimation and Reification, Values ​​and Actions, Art and Facts, Finance and Ethics, Thought and Objects, the ND Lab investigates the possible convergence of apparently antagonist fields to foster a better understanding of the technological, sociological, aesthetical, and ethical mutations at stake in the post-media era. Conducting in parallel, technological innovation, theoretical research, and artistic creation, the ND Lab produces advanced tools, academic publications, and artworks widely exhibited worldwide.

In the recent projects, The Brain Factory, Value of Values, and DïaloG, the ND lab has been developing many tools of research in interdisciplinary areas including but not limited to:

  • EEG – BCI (Electro Encephalography, Brain-Computer Interaction)
  • AI – GAN (Artificial Intelligence, Generative Adversarial Network)
  • VR – AR (Virtual and Augmented Reality)
  • AL – Artificial Life, Evolutionist models, Brain Ecosystem
  • Art-Subject and Sentient Artifacts
  • Urban Media Art / EEG applied to Architecture and Interior Design
  • Blockchain applied art

The Brain Factory project aims to give shape to human abstractions through BCI (Brain-Computer Interaction) through materialisation process called “reification,” in which thoughts are converted into objects by 3D Printing.

Value of Values, Transactional Art on the Blockchain connects the shapes of Human Values generated in the Brain Factory to the Blockchain, ready for transactions and collection. They become poetry and ethical statements. Value of Values aims to find out the real value of Human Values, from the economy to transactional poetry.

DïaloG, an urban installation project conceived by Maurice Benayoun and Refik Anadol in the framework of MindSpaces international collaborative research program. It enables two digital artworks, aliens, immigrants to understand each other and the world surrounding them.

The Neuro Design Lab has been built as part of the Center of Applied Computing and Interactive Media, supported by the School of Creative Media - CityU HK. The research is also supported by the EU Horizon2020, S+T+Arts Lighthouse MindSpaces collaborative research program with 12 European Universities and corporations. It has been awarded by the EC/RGC Grant for MindSpaces HK Project.

Some of ND Lab Research Objectives:

  • To implement shape generators based on real-time EEG data via BCI, Machine learning and AI technologies.
  • To develop a complete software-based workflow from EEG data capture, behaviour Analysis, Artificial Intelligence to real-time shape generation, and 3D printing.
  • To develop the artistic applications made possible by the potential of the technologies
  • To develop the industrial applications allowed by the potential of the technologies (Industrial design and architecture)
Interviews

Programme: Hyundai - Blomberg prestigious Art +

Media: Blomberg Media, Culture & Entertainment, on Youtube 
https://www.thenewsmarket.com/news/who-influences-who/s/870cef26-baa9-44da-84a7-064efff661d7?fbclid=IwAR06lEbS2OeHF4P6G5DGwo00iHxgUmdpyFrv7wvLmZq9RajaD5mTJHvSdIM 

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9sRDrwbxEk 
Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNw1gA9NkAA
Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1-cN13Dleo 

An article on Finding the "Real Values" of Human Values in CityU Research (Download here)