Alright, design lovers and science buffs, here’s the scoop! On Wednesday, 27th September 2023, Valletta Design Cluster is rolling out the red carpet for the debut of FiftySix Design Talks, a sparkling gem of the Science and the City Festival. While FiftySix was created to focus on design and making, this edition is stirring the pot, adding a dash of science to our design stew. And in true FiftySix fashion, we’re keeping it crisp: 1 Event, 2 Designers, 56 Minutes: It’s like speed dating, but for your brain.
Prof Philip Farrugia: Not Just Another VR Gamer
Virtual Reality (VR) isn’t just for escaping zombie apocalypses or exploring magical realms. Prof Philip Farrugia is here to tell us why. With the PRIME-VR2 project, he’s peeking beyond the gaming horizon, exploring VR’s potential in, wait for it, healthcare. Backed by a cool 4 million Euros and 14 partners across Europe, this project is setting the stage for VR’s grand entrance into rehabilitation. And our man from the University of Malta? He’s ensuring that these VR tools don’t just look snazzy but work like a charm.
Stationed at the University of Malta, Prof Farrugia is the guy you want on your team when design meets healthcare. He’s all about making things user-friendly, ensuring that Aunt Rita can use the latest tech just as easily as techie Mark. With a knack for securing research funds, he’s a force to be reckoned with in the design realm.
Dr Michael Quinton: The Universe's Playlist
Ever wondered if stars hum or planets whistle? Dr Michael Quinton’s “Sonification of Exosolar Planetary Data” project is turning the universe into a grand symphony. By translating cosmic data into sound, he’s offering a unique perspective on the universe. Imagine identifying traces of water vapour in an exoplanet’s atmosphere or classifying younger solar systems, all through sound. It’s like giving astronomers a brand new sense, letting them ‘hear’ the cosmos. And the best part? He’s co-designed these sonifications with astronomers, ensuring the sounds aren’t just beautiful but scientifically meaningful.
Dr Quinton, a proud alumnus of Edinburgh Napier University, isn’t just about space tunes. He’s a sound maestro, teaching everything from Sound Theory to Digital Video Application. When he’s not in academic mode, you might find him crafting melodies as ‘The Rusty Cowboy’ or diving into soundscape studies. Currently, he’s sprinkling his expertise at the Malta Council for Science and Technology, focusing on all things space.
Circle the date: Wednesday, 27th September at 18.30, in the historic foyer of the Valletta Design Cluster. FiftySix Design Talks promises a fusion of design, science, insights, and a dash of fun. Don’t miss out on an evening of discovery and dialogue
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