Time: 11:00 AM ET
Topic: future_arch5: Veils and Nests: New design systems
Phillip Beesely
Living Architecture Systems Group
Can architecture integrate living functions? Could future buildings think, and care? This talk will illustrate a series of new environments created by the Living Architecture Systems Group (LASG), offering valuable models of open, sensitive architectural systems. These experimental works embed intelligence and interactivity into spherical shells and membranes that react empathetically to the gestures and sounds of visitors, converting motion sensor data into intricate patterns of light, the movement of shivering fronds, and fields of gentle whispering sound that fluctuates from intense crescendos to gentle whispers. Radical new physics-based construction systems feature extraordinary reductions in energy-intensive material by using biomimicry-based design with ‘precarious’ components.
Combining art, engineering, machine learning, and material research, the LASG disrupts the rigid walls and boundaries of traditional architecture by modeling the vitality, flexibility and even fragility of tissues, cellular constructions, and complex networks. When outside forces cause pressure on human activities, it might seem natural to harden and seal our spaces, but hardened walls can create turbulence that ultimately creates even more insecurity, both inside and outside. Mutual relationships with the world can be encouraged by shifting away from rigid energy-intensive structures toward resilient spaces that can move, respond, learn, and share. Instead of weakness, fragility and precarity can be seen as highly positive qualities in this work.
Projects illustrated in this talk form part of an ecosystem of Beesley and Living Architecture Systems installations exploring organic conversations between machines and humans. These works feed sensor data through purpose-built algorithmic environments. The systems and object design are widely shared through participatory workshops, STEAM kits, and Open-Source manuals that share the complex data systems that make up the sculpture with public users of all ages.