Check out a selection of each of the featured Projects in the Juried Exhibition.

The Amalgam Project

Sofia Daniilidou, Nuno Rosado, and Selahattin Tuysuz
Architectural Association

The project investigates parallels between urban phenomena and biological organisations via computational simulations of apparently chaotic systems with properties revealing a rule-based underlying order. Shanghai, and more specifically the Expo 2010 site, is the test bed for prototyping coherent forms of complexity using cellular automata and genetic algorithms which define spatial conditions at scales ranging from urbanism to individuated buildings. The cellular automata appear as dispersed points on the site from which genetic algorithms are used to develop designs for parametric differentiated building typologies. The modularity of the resulting spaces is controlled using Wolfram’s Mathematica software to generate a set of associated systems, including housing and office pods linked to variegated frame structures embedded in a destabilising morphological landscape that charges continuous movement from the horizontal urban field vertically into high-rise buildings. The project opts for diversity, using a parametric system as a design tool operating change in order to avoid a frozen and static solution. The parametric entity does not eliminate the design, but defines the system that is structuring it. The system can be evaluated, adjusted and updated by operating with different variables.

The approach to the urban issue is achieved with a dynamic system of cellular automation. Our interest lies in the idea of solving problems by evolving an initially random population of possible solutions. The cellular automata provide a dispersive distribution of points (seeds) on the site from where a GA starts to breed the building scale. The building scale is achieved through the principle of morphogenesis. A genetic algorithm, which is a string-like structure, starts to grow in an automated process. Just like any living organism, the algorithm follows its inner evolution logic (DNA) with external inputs brought from the neighborhood environment. The plant growth is a characteristic example of self-organization from a single seed and constitutes the model for the logic embedded in the G.A. developed for the building strategy. By varying the initial position of the seeds (cubes) we achieve a number of totally different formations. In our models we simulate the simultaneous growth of individual elements, which due to their proximity, have an interconnected evolution, generating a common structure. Just like it happens with all emergent systems, slight variations on the genetic code can breed unpredictable results. On the other hand, the mathematical exactness and beauty led as to the creation of organic and versatile modules, which are the mere visualization of complex mathematical equations. The idea came from the non-linear forms of living organisms. The organic forms attribute to the modules topological qualities, encourage movement, give a sense of direction and orientation, and predispose communication. For the urban scale, they are used as circulation and programmed topography.

Finally we opted for the fusion of the two systems: the Genetic Algorithm formations and the minimal surfaces of the modules in the same formal language that would allow them to maintain their distinct and inherent properties. This was achieved by the gradual “Osteoporosis” of the module and by the transformation of the boxes into invertebrate bodies.

Fiber Composite Structures: Growth under Stress

Christina Doumpioti
Architectural Association, Emergent Technologies + Design

The core idea of this research, entitled “Fibre Composite Structures: Growth Under Stress”, is the incorporation of the morphogenetic principles found in natural systems in order to generate a fibre-composite structure. The aim is the integration of form, material, structure and program into a multi-performative system that will satisfy simultaneously several objectives. This process involves the combination and implementation of various concepts and methods based on precedent studies, form-finding digital and physical experiments that inform a coherent design methodology and lead to a structural system able to be fabricated using cutting-edge technology.
The design intension is to bridge two existing buildings with a long-span fibre-reinforced monocoque shell operating as a passage and an exhibition place. Typical objective functions, for a structure like this aim at improving its structural behaviour, its strain energy, stress levelling and weight reduction while satisfying directional strength and stiffness. Additionally, its programmatic requirements, movement-flow and internal environmental conditions become key aspects of the generation process.
A biologically inspired computational method is being developed from which the topology of the main surface is first evolved [shape generation] and thereafter the fiber reference-paths [fibre generation]. Both strategies are interlinked following an ontogenetic process of morphogenesis, while simultaneously are being informed by environmental and structural factors that generate porosity [porosity generation].
Ontogenesis refers to the evolution of individual organisms instead of entire populations and species; it is the way hierarchies of components constituting the individual interact and organize by adaptive response to their environment. Plants and bones are distinctive examples of Ontogenetic adaptation, in which stress works as a growth promoting agent; they adapt and respond to variable conditions by material deposition and by changing their form and structure.
By informing the design process by the concept of adaptive response and environmentally sensitive growth met in natural systems a composite shell structure is being developed whose structural performance, mechanical properties and microclimatic conditions vary as a function of material organization and distribution in response to extrinsic stimuli. Therefore, the material utilised becomes the generative driver of the evolution of the system by establishing a synergetic relation between its thresholds and environmental dynamics.

VIVISYS PROJECT

Jason K. Johnson and Nataly Gattegno
Future Cities Lab

VIVISYS is an on-going research project focused on critically experimenting with new processes, technologies and modes of production within architecture and beyond. The research is structured to cross disciplinary boundaries and explore new terrain for theoretical exploration. The convergence of architecture and the field of robotics represent one of the most promising intersections in recent times. Robots are sensing, thinking and moving entities. They are different from most machines in that they are capable of intelligent behavior: the capacity to learn, adapt and act on their senses and intuitions. Networks of robots, or robotic ecologies, are unique in their capacity to work as an organized system: rather than merely acting on their individual desires, these ecologies can work collectively to achieve powerful new modes of creative expression, interactivity, technical optimization, and more. An extraordinary new class of intelligent machines is rapidly coming to life in laboratories, studios and machine shops across the planet. Designers are building and programming self-replicating machines, modular self-assembling robots, fields of sun-tracking robotic sunflowers, and the like. Kevin Kelly has postulated: “The meanings of “mechanical” and “life” are both stretching until all complicated things can be perceived as machines, and all self-sustaining machines can be perceived as alive …”

The VIVISYS project consists of three interrelated research collaborations that were produced in the Robotic Ecologies Workshop (led by Prof. Jason K. Johnson) and the Future Cities Lab (with Prof. Nataly Gattegno) over the course of the past two years. The project is unique in that it brings together collaborators whose interests and expertise included architecture, robotics, engineering, and music. The three phases of the VIVISYS project described here are: an urban scale conceptual design proposal for a responsive environment in New York City, a series of small scale robotic prototypes that tested our key ideas in an academic lab setting, and most recently the fabrication of a quarter-scale interactive installation that examined the performative, material, structural, and spatial implications of our ideas. The principal ambition guiding the research is the development of a responsive architectural system that closely synthesizes a physical form or assemblage with flows of energy and information. The complex and collaborative nature of the work suggests a new approach to design and fabrication that intermeshes diverse modes of digital modeling, simulation, prototyping, systems integration and performance testing.

The focus of the work illustrated here is the VIVISYS installation (produced in collaboration with sound artist Troy Rogers). It is an experimental double-curved acrylic lattice vault that supports an interactive soundscape and networked auroras of blue cold cathode tubes. The system is triggered by the proximity of participants interacting with the installation. The module is an inverted half-scale working prototype that conceptually sits within a building-scale proposal (Super Galaxy II) suspended within an existing New York City skyscraper. It is a responsive ecology that dynamically calibrates its structure, skin and organization in response to locally-sensed information (wind, heat, light, sound, micro-climatic variations, etc.) and remotely-sensed data (weather, pollution, migratory or seasonal patterns, etc.). VIVISYS is in an endless state flux as it negotiates the desires of its adventurous visitors with the dynamic energy cycles of its site. In its ability to sense, plan, act and feed information back into its system, the proposal suggests a new type of physical environment that is both interactive and intelligent. VIVISYS hints at a future in which the synthesis of energy, form, matter and architecture might yield dynamic ecologies that are simultaneously responsive, productive and expressive.

Project Credits can be found at: www.future-cities-lab.net

OS Branching Structure
Marco Vanucci
openSystems

The research project approaches parametric systems as an attempt to build up a deeper understanding of structural systems as multi-performative design set-ups. Moving away from the homogeneous standardization of the Modern paradigm, this research, through the generative use of parametric tools, is seeking to investigate open systems as multi-performing, differentiated organizational systems.
In line with the experimentation on branching structures developed by Frei Otto, the research unfolds through a series of exercises aiming to open up a generative approach to parametric design: specificity is achieved through iterative differentiation, adaptation through redundancy, robustness through structural-geometric interdependency.
Understanding architectural design as a process of formation leads to the exploration of a pre-material state of a given systems: namely, the state prior to the crystallization into a specific design form is explored. In this way, the open systems act as virtual machines prior to the actualization into a given design scenario. The project is characterized by the will to develop multiple strategies analyzing structural, geometrical and organizational potency.
Organizational logic> branching is explored as an organizational system. Different network topologies are analyzed and compared.
Network theory is a subject within applied mathematics and physics, and coincides with graph theory. It has application in a varied range of disciplines including computer science, biology, economics, and sociology. Network theory concerns itself with the study of graphs as a representation of either symmetric relations or, more generally, of asymmetric relations between discrete objects. Typically, the graphs of concern in network theory are complex networks, examples of which include the World Wide Web, the Internet, gene regulatory networks, metabolic networks, social networks, epistemological networks, etc. See list of network theory topics for the scope of the area.
Geometrical logic> the geometrical logic of branching is created and developed through parametric tools: Digital project is employed to generate the geometrical structure; in addition differentiation is achieved by the instrumentalization of the defining principle: angle between branches, number of branches, length, displacement of the nodes in space… An intricate matrix is then emerging from the proliferation of differentiated geometrical operation. Structural logic> the structure and the stability of the various configurations is analyzed through finite element analysis software [FEA]. Thus running structural analysis necessitates specifying a range of parameters to set up likely structural scenarios. Running structural tests on differentiated geometrical arrangements is possible to detect certain general behavioral patterns happening during the process of extracting precise data for structural analysis or fabrication. The possibility to establish interdependent relationships between different system logics contributes to the redefinition of common fitness criteria: each system logic, instead of responding to a specific optimized scenario, informs each other towards a multi parametric performing whole. Geometrical arrangements, spatial affects, structural performance and organizational logic contribute to the formation of the system and its performance-based logic. p.art® develops its research in the endeavor to shift the architectural paradigm from a problem-solving to a problem-caring approach where integral design logics contribute to the coherent employment of novel design method.

Antlia : : : Machine pneumatique I

Christian Joakim
University of Toronto

This installation explores the rapidly developing field of interactive, responsive architecture through the design of a full-scale kinetic sculpture, extending a traditional architectural condition – ornament – into the fields of robotics and biomimetics. Fluidic actuators, pneumatic proportional controls, inexpensive open source microprocessor technologies and RF wireless communication systems combined with digital fabrication techniques produce a complex constellation of structure, kinetics, and communication.
Antlia is a constellation of oscillating mechatronic elements which operate in concert with information absorbed from the surroundings. This “machine pneumatique” exists in a constant condition of latency, a state of digitally filtered reverie, producing an extended composition of experience. Modular components made of laser cut impact-resistant acrylic and mylar (in)form a hybrid environment consisting of robotic activation and open-loop communication with occupants. The installation consists of three ‘constellations’, each with its own microcontroller unit and sensing devices. Movement is achieved via fluidic actuators controlled by a bank of twelve 3/2 way solenoid valves that operate in parallel to supply compressed air at 60 psi to each of the 180 actuators. Each fluidic actuator consists of super soft latex tubing and expandable mesh sleeving. These devices are unique in their ability to achieve smooth motion and a high power to weight ratio. Ultrasonic range finders (Maxbotix MaxSonar – EZ0 High Performance Sonar Module) and an ambient noise sensor (Inex Sound Detector Board) absorb data from the environment, generating a layered reading of the space. Machine (co)peration is achieved with a distributed microprocessor network that relies on the Arduino open source platform. Communication across constellations occurs via the XBee Pro wireless shield, a modular component that sits on top of the Arduino Decimila board.
Each element of the installation was custom-fabricated using CNC machining processes and advanced laser cutting techniques. The core modular unit consists of laser-cut mylar sheets that were individually folded along prescribed patterns to fit precisely with custom-designed fluidic muscles. The module base consists of impact resistant acrylic and is fitted with a finely perforated laser cut light filter made of two layers: an external layer of translucent mylar and an internal layer of reflective mylar. The underlying lattice was machined using CNC routing techniques and fitted with custom-made vertical connections. The mechatronic control station – in particular, the development of proportional servo-valves that modulate airflow through the piece – was designed specifically for the installation, yet it can be extended to fit larger versions of the piece.
Envisioned as a small step towards a fully associative, computationally integrated architectural condition this project interrogates the current condition of ‘expanding bodies’. The (seamless) introduction of embedded computing into our physical environs extends our ability to perceive and absorb meaningful information. The ‘ornamental’ condition of the piece refers to the atmospheric qualities of the installation and hence the mnemonic qualities associated with ornament; in this instance, the architecture ‘remembers’. It has the capacity to delay both activation and affect, reconfiguring expectations of the built condition and drawing occupants into an open loop of anticipation with architecture and environment.

Elastic Catenaries

James Brucz
University at Buffalo (SUNY)

Elastic Catenaries explores the use of flexible rubber molds to produce self-similar concrete casts that are inherently structural. The mold’s elasticity becomes a means for synthesizing structure and other performative effects like light transmission and formal expression. A soft rubber reconfigurable mold (RCM-C) is hung from two points. When concrete is added to the mold it finds form in direct relation to the additional weight, quantity, orientation and elasticity. The mold is able to take on a variety of geometries including catenaries, parabolas or other conic sections. In this way it negotiates structural form (geometry) in direct response to the material’s properties (weight) while being informed by gravity (nature).

The catenary curve is a natural formation and geometrically a minimal line of stress that results in the least amount of material acting structurally to nature’s forces. Elastic Catenaries is a system of structural concrete ceiling components that reside suspended in the ceiling of an existing space. It can be deployed in a variety of patterns to reconfigure the space beneath, the light above and the air that passes through them by the user changing directions based upon contextual conditions. These patterns create gradations of enclosure, either in plan through the full deployment of siblings or in section through their ability to change ceiling height or through a combination of the two. The system is a mutable architecture that can change the perception and inhabitation of the space within which it is set out.

The full scale RCM-C and its resultant concrete components display a hybrid relationship that can be likened to that of a parent to child. Sibling phenotypic similarities, the results of inheritance, are passed on from the parent to the child. Process of inheritance involves previous casts becoming plastic formal input for the next subsequent cast. The RCM-C, as parent, literally gives birth to many concrete siblings, all of which are unique but similar. By reusing the same mold and producing concrete siblings one after the other, one can understand the assembly as a self-organizing system where the whole becomes an expression of an iterative computation and is more open to the contingencies of their actual production. By interacting with the shifting desires of their fabricator and the environmental factors of their contexts, information comes from outside the system to generate unique and idiosyncratic possibilities that are not repeatable. Both concrete’s and rubber’s mutability is exploited to yield a considerable amount of formal variety inherent to cross-sectional catenary lines that differentiate from sibling to sibling. At the same time there is control in the system such that certain geometric constraints can be exercised to create more precision for environmental criteria. In the end, the agency of both materials is registered in the final growing construction and is an expression of an indeterminate system of design

C-chair: Few notes on differentiated computational design

Open Source Architecture (Aaron Sprecher, Chandler Ahrens, Eran Neuman) with Paul Kalnitz

Switches
In contemporary science, striking similarities have emerged between current biological practices and software techniques. Included in this list are switches, modularity, containment, hierarchy, combination, aggregation, encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism. Switches can combine independently or hierarchically to activate or repress morphology. They can be present in sufficient or necessary levels. They can act directly or indirectly.

Differentiation
The C-chair project represents the first phase in the development of an algorithmic framework for the evolution of differentiated architectural forms. The C-chair itself can be thought of as an artifact of both a biological system and an object-oriented machine. A design process emerges in which the organism is differentiated into two segments with a clearly defined interface. Similar to a biological system, the components share information so that they can connect, and the positional and temporal morphology of each segment is regulated by modular genetic switches. The C-chair’s segments, or components, are analogous to a tree and a rhizome. The tree represents the structural support system, and the rhizome acts as the surface. Each component has its own innate “knowledge” concerning its morphology. The rhizome “knows” how to proliferate and grow horizontally along a surface. This is accomplished through a mechanism which can grow homologous self-replicating imaginal finials. The ontological drift of each finial is controlled by rules, and is regulated by design parameters which act as genetic switches for speed and direction of growth and the amount of proliferation. Similarly, the tree “knows” how to proliferate and grow. This knowledge is modified and augmented with the ability to maintain vertical structure. The roots remain, but the strands are replaced by a trunk, branches, and leaves. The more complex organism, the tree, builds upon the established knowledge of the less complex organism, the rhizome.

The functions that are common to both forms are regulated by reused switches, and new switches regulate new functionality. In biological terms, both organisms are made up of cells, and each cell has a cell-membrane. The rhizome’s cell-membranes are not structural, thus constraining the rhizome to grow only horizontally. The tree’s cell-membranes are structural, allowing for the enhanced performative aspect of vertical growth and structural qualities. A phylogenetic tree can be used to map the specificity and diversity of switches as they evolve to regulate increasing complexity through inherited knowledge and the combination of modules. In object-oriented design, this knowledge is encapsulated in terms of objects and methods. There is an inheritance relationship between the tree object and the rhizome object. Some methods are reused and others are augmented or overridden.

This technique effectively creates a diagram or a map in which a multiplicity of selectively-regulated solutions can be easily generated and formally explored. The technique is extended in order to model the duality of a rhizomorphic structure. By producing these results computationally, it is possible to cull similar characteristics and to easily generate many permutations of the experiment.

The authors would like to emphasize the important contribution of Prof. Howard Blair (Syracuse University) and Gulru Ustendag (PhD Candidate, Syracuse University) to this project.
Credits
Project Title: C-Chair
Type: Furniture
Year: 2008
Location: New York, USA
Design Concept: Open Source Architecture with Paul Kalnitz
Computational Scripting: Open Source Architecture with Paul Kalnitz, Prof. Howard Blair and Gulru Ustendag, Syracuse University

Polyp Surface

Raf Godlewski/Ashley Latona

University at Buffalo (SUNY)

The Polyp Surface is an exploration of an architectural surface based on the relational geometry found in coral polyps. Our interest is in the polyps’ performance as a collective of simple organisms; how they adapt to varying terrain conditions, how they array themselves forming overlaps and boundaries, how they respond to their environment and how their actions affect their neighbors and the larger environment. In this sense, the Polyp Surface explores the organizational performance of the polyps as they open and close, changing the nature of their arrangement while creating different textures of their surface. Our initial explorations were strictly based on the mechanical patterns of movement within rigid units which did not alter their shape but changed the nature of the surface based on their relative position. This study produced a very organic movement but was limited to a flat surface application. The next exploration studied the use of flexible materials to develop a surface made up of identical units which have the ability to flex. Connected units then affect other units as they push and pull, creating different shapes, openings and surface conditions. The use of a flexible material such as polyurethane rubber is closer in nature to that of a polyp. However, unlike the polyps, the surface is meant to perform in air and serve as a light / air mediating device. Its activation is in direct response to the environment, which acts as an input (light, temperature, etc). With these early prototypes, we intend for the system to be driven mechanically, with analog input requiring no electronics or actuators. The individual units are capable of being inflated by air, which forces their shape to change and in turn, act as actuators. The analog “sensing” mechanism could possibly consist of “air containers” which, when exposed to sunlight, can change their internal pressure as the air inside heats up. This would then create the simplest form of a closed, action/reaction system where sunlight dictates the performance of the surface, modulating air and light in a space. Current studies are focused on feedback systems which would allow the surface to “adapt” to more conditions, gather more information about the environment and instill more changes upon it.

Implementation of Cellular Automata for Dynamic Shading of Building Facade

Machi Zawidzki
Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu, Japan

Paper presents creative use of cellular automata (CA) in architecture, namely for dynamic shading of building facade. The abbreviation “CA” refers both to singular form “cellular automaton” and plural- “automata”. One of the most interesting “visual” quality of CA is abilty to create organic patterns which sometimes are very pleasing to human eye. These patterns seem to “live their own life” and “taming” them to perform purposeful actions is quiet challenging due to their computational irreducibility as shown in an example of possible practical application, but as a result, provides visual effects of unmatched intriguing complexity hard to achieve by means of artistic will, whim or chance. Although amazing qualities of CA astonish for many years, their practical (physical) applications are still very sparse if existing at all, besides “pretty pictures”. Four classes of CA “behavior” with conjunction to the problem of “pattern average grayness” was presented. Two classes of CA were analyzed: 2- color, 1- dimension, range- 1 (2C-1D-R1) and 2-color, 1- dimension, range- 2 (2C-1D-R2) for potential practical use. Problem of monotonic gradual change of average grayness as a function of sequence of initial conditions was discussed. Scheme of mechanical system realizing the idea of shading controlled by CA was proposed.

Allotropic Systems

Nick Bruscia
University at Buffalo (SUNY)

A thermo-sensitive reconfigurable mold (RCM-T) proposes a way to utilize the generative possibilities of algorithmic scripting within physical computing. The heat sensitive mold, in the process of fabrication, feeds the chemical heat gain from the poured material as it cures, directly into a generative algorithm. This contextual data drives the behavior of the algorithm which in turn alters the morphology of the mold and hence the casted unit. One mold can produce several unique casts, each specific to the event of their making. The part-to-whole relationship of the resulting structures is allotropic: the same elements that form the network are individually shaped by the event of their making such that the same network can take on a variety of shapes. Such a system proposes a means to make moldable materials, like plastics, more responsive to the contingencies of their making. As a network structure parts can not be conceived in isolation but must be dynamically constructed with direct feedback from the entire assembly.
This work reconsiders computation in architecture through embedded circuitry and robotic technology which provides an opportunity to move away from screen based virtual reality and into augmented physical environments. Embedded computation has the ability to act directly on full scale prototypes creating a dialogue between digital algorithms and analog constructions. Current rapid prototyping technologies provide a limited material palette that results in models unable to address full-scale material performance, capability, and options. While they offer a level of precision that is important in realizing complex forms at any scale, they are often times built from the same digital model used to produce representational images. In contrast, algorithmic parametric modeling offers greater control on form generation facilitating the possibility to capture fascinating scientific and mathematical concepts coupled with input from actual material properties to produce architectural form and structure.

thresholds

Bradley Cantrell
Louisiana State University

Landscape surface is a dynamic and moving medium shaped through natural processes of erosion, deposition, and the interplay of substrate and vegetative matter. This interaction creates complex three dimensional surfaces that exist on a range of scales from the structure of soil particles up to tectonics of mountain ranges. Normal representational methods express the landscape in static modes and limited scales often disconnecting human from the environment they occupy. Thresholds attempts to use phenomena (light) and human scale interaction as methods to formulate and alter representations of landscapes.

Thresholds explores the limitations and possibilities of conventional representation systems and how they shape our perception of environments. Specifically Thresholds examines the isoline as a method to represent spatial relationships. Isolines are curves that connect points where the function has the same value. Landscape surfaces are represented with contours or isolines in order to express similar elevations and in relation to other contours a clear image of the intricacies of a 3d surface are expressed in a 2d representation.

In Thresholds isolines define changes in contrast and are generated dynamically to create automated landscapes. Changes in value are calculated in realtime and expressed by isolines, high contrast is represented by closer isolines and low contrast by wider isolines. As lighting conditions change throughout the day and pedestrians circulate the isolines are generated in realtime creating new landscape representations. The exhibit consists of a lare wall painted with a simple graphic used as a datum to generate a baseline representation. This consists of twelve stripes of alternating greys creating moments of high and low contrast. This wall is monitored by a single camera that is fed through an applet created in processing to generate a realtime representation of the isolines. The isolines update a fifteen frames per second in order to create a fluid, realtime representation of the environment.

The exhibition is situated within an open atrium space where lighting conditions change the rendering of the isolines throughout the day. The graphic quality of the painting on the wall illustrates areas of high and low contrast creating a datum when individuals move within space. This datum creates a contextual awareness between the data gathered and visualization in the monitors. The representation of the isolines directly corresponds to the graphic but is rendered in a range of fidelities throughout the course of the day, in low light conditions the isolines are become amorphous and in conditions with more light the contrast is heightened and the fidelity of the isolines becomes much higher.

The Radiolaria Project

Christian Troche
University Kassel

The Radiolaria Project explores the filigree and beautiful skeletons of radiolarians , tiny marine organisms, with their striking hexagonal patterns, and transfers this concept to architectural level and materializes it in a large scale structure.
This project involves research spanning from biology via geometry to applied building constructions, analogue panelisation experiments with CAD designed and CNC milled models, the development of a rigid parametric node system, digital form finding, techniques for the design of a large scale interior installation, tessellation of this form with especially developed grid generation tools, generative computation of individual structural node and beam elements, CNC manufacturing of these entities and the final assembly of the structure. The finished installation displays as a continuously double curved shape, represented by a structural network of 3-legged nodes and beams with hexagonal cells. Its form is considered as an active entity, shaped to support itself without the need of secondary elements. It transforms from a roof to a megacolumn or rolls up to horizontal beam, being both shape and structure at the same time.
The Radiolaria Installation is constructed from 1040 individual nodes and 1563 beams. It is more than 14 m long, 5 m wide and 4 m high at a weight of approximately 50 kg and was realized in only 10 days time by an international group of architecture students.

New Harmony Grotto

Andrew Vrana
University of Houston

Joe Meppelink
University of Houston

Ben Nicholson
School of Art Institute of Chicago

With the expanding wave of contemporary architecture inspired and informed by biomorphic design and biomimetic processes, the re-evaluation of work of Frederick Kiesler has become immanent. Throughout the mid 20th century he became increasingly interested in the relationship of natural form and structure to architectural space and organization. The Grotto for Meditation proposed in 1963 for New Harmony, Indiana commissioned by Mrs. Jane Blaffer-Owen was the culmination of his life’s work. Though the project was not realized, it embodies all of the influences of his time from surrealism to biology and cybernetic theory. Through our university and the Blaffer Foundation, we engaged in formal research and tectonic resolution of the project employing digital modeling and fabrication technologies at our College and in Houston where Mrs. Owen lives when she is not in New Harmony. We based this project on the full catalog of archival material made available to us with support from the Blaffer and Kielser Foundations. Our exploration also was influenced by discussions with Mrs. Blaffer-Owen who is still very interested in realizing this profoundly interesting and enigmatic project. Our university has opened the door to the opportunity that our reinterpreted Grotto become a permanent fixture on the campus next to a wetland landscape that it is currently under construction. Our research into Kiesler has engaged his esoteric concepts of “co-realism” and “continuous tension” as well as his early use of recursive geometry and biomorphic form in design. From reverse engineering and digital fabrication via 3D scanning to generative structural articulation, we are experimenting with a structural/spatial system that closely aligns with Kiesler’s originally proposed tile patterning dilated into a minimal structure. Our prototypes and the final version will be fabricated by one of the largest commercially for-hire water jet cutter in country and assembled on the site.

Eco Ceramic Research

Jason Vollen
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Built Ecologies / binary design studio