Generative and real-time simulation systems in TouchDesigner — by Davide Santini
From 13/01/2027 to 28/01/2027
Having explored the fundamentals of TouchDesigner, it is time to dive into the heart of generative systems and real-time simulations, where rendering and behavior begin to merge into a single visual language.
In this intermediate online workshop, we will delve into advanced instancing techniques and the new POP operators, building a workflow that ranges from managing large volumes of visual data to creating complex systems driven by particles and forces.
Over the course of six evening sessions—held on January 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, and 28 (7:30 PM – 9:30 PM)—we will work in a progressive, interconnected manner. We will begin by revisiting and enhancing instancing techniques before moving on to GPU-based management for high-performance systems. We will then introduce the new POP Operators as a fresh paradigm for 3D graphics and simulation. We will explore attribute structures in depth, ultimately building simulations, interactive particle systems, and systems incorporating forces and gravity.
The workshop aims to provide practical tools for designing complex, high-performance, and scalable visual systems—ready for use in installations, live performances, and advanced visual design projects.
Organized in collaboration with Recontemporary, the course will take place online in an interactive, guided setting. Participants will be able to follow the system-building process step-by-step, experiment in real-time, and engage directly with the instructor. All sessions will be recorded and made available alongside the workshop materials, allowing participants to review and further explore the content.
The workshop will be led by Davide Santini (Deltacut)—an art developer, educator, and key figure in the European TouchDesigner community—renowned for an approach that blends technical rigor with artistic sensibility.
Activities
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Day 1 – Instancing: basics and advanced possibilities
Jan 13 – 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Instancing: revisiting the basics and pushing further.
- Texture instancing.
- Practical example: a flock of animated 2D elements (images as particles). -
Day 2 – Advanced Instancing and GPU Workflow
Jan 14 – 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Moving everything to the GPU.
- Point clouds: introduction and management.
- Practical example: animating a school of fish as a 3D geometry system. -
Day 3 – Introduction to POPs: The New Paradigm
Jan 20 – 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- POP Operators! What they are and how to use them.
- Attribute structure in POPs.
- Instancing or Copy POP? -
Day 4 – Simulation with POPs: “organic” systems
21/01 – 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- POPs with weights and for simulations: blades of grass, a lawn, hair and fur! -
Day 5 – Particles, forces, and interaction
27/01 – 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Particle systems interacting with POPs.
- Forces and gravitational simulations. -
Day 5 – Particles, forces, and interaction
27/01 – 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
- Particle systems interacting with POPs.
- Forces and gravitational simulations.
Infos and costs
January 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28; 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: €250 / Early bird (register by Oct 20): €220
Format: Online
Level: Intermediate
Language: Italian
Participants: Max. 20
Book a seat
write us at info@recontemporary.com
Deltacut
An art developer and TouchDesigner expert.
His scientific background and focus on the art world enable an interactive approach to the conception and development of interactive systems and technical infrastructures. An instructor, writer, and manual translator, he collaborates with artists and developers worldwide and is a central figure in the European TouchDesigner scene—the leading software development platform for new media artists.
