Latent Utopias
Invited to participate in this exhibition curated by Zaha Hadid and Patrik Schumacher, Veech x Veech produced a daring experimental installation showcasing the application of computer-generated dynamic models to create a real three-dimensional, transformable environment.
The avant-garde of international architecture and design were invited to contribute to the exhibition, which formed part of the celebrations for Graz 2003 European Capital of Culture.
Veech x Veech’s 6x6x6m art installation highlighted the studio’s research in the field of pneumatic systems in connection with computational form generation and new materials.
The design team used synthetic rubber, a conventional, extremely robust building material with highly elastic properties, to generate a continually form-changing landscape. A pre-set cycle of varying air pressures in the individual rubber chambers slowly transformed the architectural space, blurring the boundaries between existing floor, wall and ceiling conditions and creating a seamlessly fluid, undulating landscape.
Monitors integrated into the installation documented the research processes undertaken by the studio: computer-generated test models and physical tests leading to this installation as well as other experiment-based projects across temporary, mobile, media, virtual/real and real/virtual environments.
Process
Prototype Studies
Credits
- Client:
- Landesmuseum Joanneum
- Location:
- Graz, Austria
- Design Team:
- Stuart A. Veech, Mascha Veech-Kosmatschof, Alexander Ott, Constantin Papachristolous
- Consultants:
- Ange Weppernig
- Photos:
- Christian Wachter
