Technology A — Pratt Grad ComD

Selection of initial datasets and concept exploration for the project

Project Description

This work uses the visual metaphor of a cosmic galaxy to model the growth of knowledge through citation. Each citation represents an idea drawn by the gravity of existing theories, entering their orbit and becoming part of a larger constellation. Using Michel Foucault’s The Archaeology of Knowledge as a starting point, the project draws on the OpenCitation dataset, collecting 208 records classified by time, discipline, and citation intent. Time is mapped to orbital radius, and discipline is shown through color: inner rings represent earlier works, and outer rings later studies. Four citation types appear as celestial forms: core for direct theoretical use, planet for extended discussion, jet for cross-disciplinary projection, and nebula for diffuse contextual reference. Viewers can click on each star to unfold its network of citations, observing how knowledge proliferates and extends through these relationships. The work reveals a genealogical structure of knowledge that has no fixed center and expands through continuous generation and connection, echoing Foucault’s concept of decentered knowledge.

Credits

OpenCitations, p5.js Reference, The Archaeology of Knowledge, ChatGPT

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Citation as Galaxy

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by Jiayi Li

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by Jiayi Li

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