The „City Data Atelier“ course is an introduction to analog data collection and visualization. Data visualization is a broad discipline concerned with translating structured datasets into charts to support decision making. Current data visualization practices are largely computer-supported. Data lives a fully digital life: it is collected, analyzed, and visualized using computers and oftentimes translated into digital artifacts.

In this course we will learn to create data visualizations without using computers, but only analog tools and practices – both for data collection and visualization.

Every week we will work on a new assignment, starting with collection and ending with visualization of city-related data. The focus on the city will challenge us in producing subjective yet coherent data artworks, with the goal of creating data-driven yet hand-drawn impressions of our urban experiences.

In the data collection phase, we will observe our daily patterns of behaviour, movement, and feelings in the city and collect data about them. In this phase, we will look at different data collection techniques, ranging from purely qualitative and auto-ethnographic to survey-driven and semi-quantitative methods. We will learn how to translate data into structured formats that make it easy to parse and analyze it.

In the visualization phase, we will understand the foundations of data visualization: how to develop a coherent visual grammar, the importance of proportion and scale, as well as layouting strategies. Then, we will experiment with a range of different techniques to bring our data to life – going from drawing to painting, passing by photography and photo-collaging.

The course is ideal for students that want to experiment with data in a creative setting. You are not required to have any experience with data visualization, total beginners are welcome. You are also not required to have good drawing or painting skills, although basic knowledges are useful. We will experiment together with several techniques and try out creative ways to paint, collage, and draw with data. The course will focus on covering the basics of data collection and visualization.