AI as Catalyst | AI-Chimera Research Project | Hugo Paquete AI as Catalyst | AI-Chimera Research Project | Hugo Paquete

Hugo Paquete

Post-Digital Sonic Media Art: Composing Systems of Resistance through Sound Spatial & Relational Systems Sonic & Systems Critical Hardware & Systems

AI as Catalyst: CEEC-FCT Research Project on AI, Digital Performance, and Computer Music

AI as Catalyst (2026–2029) is a CEEC-FCT research project led by Hugo Paquete at INET-md, University of Aveiro. The project investigates artificial intelligence as a creative co-agent — not a mere tool — in digital performance, computer music, and cultural creativity.

The central concept is the AI-Chimera: a hybrid entity that merges human and machine creativity at a structural level. The AI-Chimera operates through probabilistic variation mechanisms, quantum state behaviors (amplitude, phase, collapse, tunneling), and synthetic psychological processes (emotional states, dreams, hallucinations).

The project unfolds through three case studies: Hyperobject Soundscapes (satellite data sonification, prompt engineering), AI Remix Collective (collaborative human-AI performance in 4D sound spatialization), and Glitch Ecology (immersive dome installation using CO₂ data sonification).

Technical infrastructure: all systems built in Python with modular architectures and real-time performance constraints (latency ≤33 ms). Core modules include WeatherClient, DreamingAI, DataMutator, QuantumState, HarmonicField, DroneManager, RhythmVoice, RainVoice, MIDI proxy, and PySide6 GUI.

Current prototypes: HELIOSONIC Sonifier (space weather sonification using NOAA/SWPC data), AEROSONIC Sonifier (atmospheric micro-variation sonification), and Cyberattack Sonifier (cybersecurity events into rhythmic structures).

Funding: FCT — Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (2024.09158.CEECIND). Host institution: INET-md, University of Aveiro. Collaborators: Absonus Lab, Planetário do Porto — CCV.

Keywords: AI-Chimera, Algorithmic Listening, Meta-Production, Hyperobject, Techno-Animism, Generative Music, Data-Sound, Technological Unconscious, Acousmatic Music, 4D Sound Spatialization, HELIOSONIC, AEROSONIC, Cyberattack Sonifier, Hugo Paquete, CEEC-FCT, INET-md, FCT 2024.09158.CEECIND.












AI as Catalyst: CEEC-FCT Research Project on AI, Digital Performance, and Computer Music

AI as Catalyst (2026–2029) is a CEEC-FCT research project led by Hugo Paquete at INET-md, University of Aveiro. The project investigates artificial intelligence as a creative co-agent — not a mere tool — in digital performance, computer music, and cultural creativity.

The central concept is the AI-Chimera: a hybrid entity that merges human and machine creativity at a structural level. The AI-Chimera operates through probabilistic variation mechanisms, quantum state behaviors (amplitude, phase, collapse, tunneling), and synthetic psychological processes (emotional states, dreams, hallucinations).

The project unfolds through three case studies: Hyperobject Soundscapes (satellite data sonification, prompt engineering), AI Remix Collective (collaborative human-AI performance in 4D sound spatialization), and Glitch Ecology (immersive dome installation using CO₂ data sonification).

Technical infrastructure: all systems built in Python with modular architectures and real-time performance constraints (latency ≤33 ms). Core modules include WeatherClient, DreamingAI, DataMutator, QuantumState, HarmonicField, DroneManager, RhythmVoice, RainVoice, MIDI proxy, and PySide6 GUI.

Current prototypes: HELIOSONIC Sonifier (space weather sonification using NOAA/SWPC data), AEROSONIC Sonifier (atmospheric micro-variation sonification), and Cyberattack Sonifier (cybersecurity events into rhythmic structures).

The project introduces four compositional shifts: new sonic raw materials (real-time data streams), reconfiguration of compositional gesture (prompt engineering as performative act), distributed authorship (hybrid human-AI agency), and unpredictability as method (generative variation as creative engine).

Funding: FCT — Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (2024.09158.CEECIND). Host institution: INET-md, University of Aveiro. Collaborators: Absonus Lab, Planetário do Porto – CCV.

Keywords: AI-Chimera, Algorithmic Listening, Meta-Production, Hyperobject, Techno-Animism, Generative Music, Data-Sound, Technological Unconscious, Acousmatic Music, 4D Sound Spatialization, HELIOSONIC, AEROSONIC, Cyberattack Sonifier, Hugo Paquete, CEEC-FCT, INET-md, University of Aveiro, FCT 2024.09158.CEECIND.

Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.

Graphical user interface for real-time data sonification — PySide6, modular architecture, and low-latency performance (≤33 ms). Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Graphical user interface for real-time data sonification — PySide6, modular architecture, and low-latency performance (≤33 ms). Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Graphical user interface for real-time data sonification — PySide6, modular architecture, and low-latency performance (≤33 ms). Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Graphical user interface for real-time data sonification — PySide6, modular architecture, and low-latency performance (≤33 ms). Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.

AI as Catalyst: 
Transformative Impacts on Digital Performance, Computer Music, and Cultural Creativity.

FCT Grant 2024.09158.CEECIND | 2026–2029 | INET-md | University of Aveiro  
Principal Investigator: Hugo Paquete, PhD



What is this project?


AI as Catalyst repositions artificial intelligence as a creative co-agent, refusing its reduction to a mere tool. The project reveals the **technological unconscious** — hidden systems that shape contemporary experience.

From a techno-animism perspective, AI is understood as a non-human agent with which it is possible to co-create.

Three modes of collaboration:
- Algorithmic Listening — distributed listening between humans, systems, and data
- Meta-Listening — critical decoding of invisible technological flows
- Meta-Production — emergent creation from artist-algorithm-data interaction

Core Concept: AI-Chimera


A hybrid entity that challenges authorship, control, and intentionality, merging human and machine creativity at a structural level through probabilistic variation, quantum state behaviors, and synthetic psychological processes.

Four Compositional Shifts


1. New sonic raw materials — real-time data streams
2. Reconfigured compositional gesture — prompting as musical act
3. Distributed authorship — human-machine negotiation
4. Unpredictability as method — generative variation

Three case studies


Hyperobject Soundscapes | AI as hyperobject using satellite data sonification, LLMs, and prompt engineering |
AI Remix Collective | Collaborative human-AI performance in 4D sound spatialization |
Glitch Ecology | Immersive dome installation with CO₂ environmental data |

Technical Infrastructure


Platform: Python · Latency:  ≤33 ms · Architecture:  Modular

Core Modules: WeatherClient` · `DreamingAI` · `QuantumState` · `HarmonicField` · `DroneManager` (5 voices) · `RhythmVoice` (euclidean, 6 styles) · `RainVoice` (granular) · `PySide6 GUI`

Current prototypes:


HELIOSONIC | NOAA/SWPC | Space weather sonification |
AEROSONIC | Atmospheric | Micro-variation sonification |
CYBERATTACK | Security events | Rhythmic structures from cyber threats |

Performance and human-AI negotiation


The human performer controls macro-structural decisions (form, harmony, pacing), while AI manages micro-level processes (note generation, timbral variation, probabilistic textures). The performer can interrupt, override, or redirect AI at any moment.

> *"How can compositional intention be distributed across human and non-human agents?"*



Ethical & Critical Dimension


The project addresses algorithmic opacity, bias, and surveillance in AI, positioning art as a space of resistance and cultural speculation in a world saturated with invisible technologies.

Funding and institutions


Funding | FCT — Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (2024.09158.CEECIND) |
Host | INET-md \| University of Aveiro |
Collaborators | Absonus Lab · Planetário do Porto – CCV |
Duration | March 2026 — December 2029 |

Expected outcomes


- Scientific articles and conference papers
- Software and creative tools (EULA licensed; available upon request)
- Musical compositions and sample libraries
- Live performances and installations
- Technical and artistic documentation

Keywords

`AI-Chimera` `Algorithmic Listening` `Meta-Production` `Hyperobject` `Techno-Animism` `Generative Music` `Data-Sound` `Technological Unconscious` `Acousmatic Music` `4D Sound Spatialization`

Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.

Graphical user interface for real-time data sonification — PySide6, modular architecture, and low-latency performance (≤33 ms). Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Graphical user interface for real-time data sonification — PySide6, modular architecture, and low-latency performance (≤33 ms). Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Graphical user interface for real-time data sonification — PySide6, modular architecture, and low-latency performance (≤33 ms). Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Graphical user interface for real-time data sonification — PySide6, modular architecture, and low-latency performance (≤33 ms). Hugo Paquete, 2026.
Prototyping AI-driven sonification systems — Python development environment with real-time MIDI output and data visualization. Hugo Paquete, 2026.


                       CEEC-FCT Research Fellow @ INET-md | AI as Catalyst project | Cybernetic ecologies & post-techno aesthetics                    
                          ZKM   iA*Lab Sensoria   Enrede   INET-md  Github
                           
   Open to collaborations and partnerships that push the boundaries of sonic media art and research