Can't Stop Won't Stop

New interactive map offers a glimpse into the Austin of 2030

Austin is projected to add more than a million people by 2030.

We all know Austin is growing (despite the fact that we're just so unhappy), but just how many people are projected to move here? Using historical trends and census data, the Urban Institute has mapped population projections for every metro area in the U.S. through 2030 — including Austin.

At an average rate of growth, Austin will see a 55 percent increase in population and almost a million new residents by 2030.

This new interactive tool was ultimately developed with urban planners and civic leaders in mind but offers everyone a fascinating glimpse into what the future could look like. Examining migration, race and age, the "Mapping America's Future" tool allows users to see these metrics based on low, average and accelerated rates of growth.

Regardless of the rate of growth, Austin is projected to continue its explosive population trend. An "average" rate will still include a 55 percent increase in Austin's population and the addition of almost a million new residents.

Based on the average, expect the Austinite of 2030 to be white or Hispanic (about 2.2 million) and young (more than 1.9 million people will be under the age of 49).

But what if we don't grow as fast as projected? What if migration slows? Or birth rates slow? The Urban Institute has considered these factors, too. Even with low migration, birth and death rates, Austin can still expect about a 40 percent increase in population, adding about 725,000 new people by 2030.

And what if growth accelerates? Factoring in accelerated rates of migration, birth and death rates, Austin could see an almost 70 percent increase in population, adding more than 1.2 million people to the metro area.

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SKIN IN THE GAME

Renowned Hill Country tattoo artist inks new sacred geometry app

Photo courtesy of Dillon Forte

Dillion Forte at his "tattoo ranch" in the Texas Hill Country.

In the world of tattooing, there may seem to be few better rat traps left to build, but Dillon Forte aims to change that. In October, the renowned Wimberley-based tattoo artist and entrepreneur introduced a new iPadOS app to bring ancient symbology into the digital age.

Forte has made a worldwide name for his black dot work (a contemporary take on stick-and-poke techniques) and ambitious undertakings like tattooing underwater and opening a “tattoo ranch.” His ink appears on Usher, Chris Hemsworth, and Kehlani.

Still, he is most recognized for his sacred geometry designs, using patterns to convey various meanings. His interest led him to create the Sacred Geometry Drawing App, a convenient way for novices and experts to develop and export their creations.

The app grew out of his own practice. Over the past decade, he has used tablets and freehand techniques to achieve his highly symmetrical artwork but grew to realize existing tools were not always easy to use.

“The app is an attempt and fulfillment of my desire to make sacred geometry accessible and bring the ability to create into the fingertips of as many people as possible,” Forte tells CultureMap via email, adding a tagline: “symmetry made simply.”

He says he wished the app was available when developing his signature style as a tattoo artist, but it was designed with a broad range of users in mind. He hopes that designers, educators, and artists will find a use for it.

A short intro to the app's capabilities is available on YouTube. It looks like a standard drawing app, starting with a blank canvas and some tools like pens, pencils, colors, and of course, straight line and dot makers.

A "symmetry index" anchors the functionality and expands it to something between 2D art and 3D modeling. In addition to generating shapes like repeating patterns and spirals, the app also creates 3D shapes with grids, so that the artist can map their design in real space or even create sculptures. There is also an index for explaining the spiritual meaning of some standard designs.

“Geometry often prompts an intimidating feeling when it comes to making art,” Forte continues. “The fundamentally complex and often academic nature of math-based art can induce a sense of fear in the potential user instead of creating a sense of awe. The purpose of the sacred geometry app is to cultivate the latter."

Creatives interested in constructing their own geometric masterpieces can download the app at the App Store for free, and in-app purchases are available.

technology apps tattoos arts