2_1_DiscoverGermany_December14_Issue21:Scan Magazine 1
20/11/14
14:06
Page 46
Anthropometric Pavilion
Architectural Research Office Arphenotype
Ahead of future evolution Plastic electricity pylons reinforced with fibreglass, a pavilion shaped by gravity and a sound-absorbing office wall are just some of the unusual designs architect Dietmar Köring and his architectural research office Arphenotype are known for around the world. His work looks revolutionary to some, but is in fact evolutionary.
serves to communicate a Utopia.The ground plan is a means to convey an idea to the building contractor, which can be optimised through a discussion or‘feedback loops’.”
TEXT: JULIKA HÜTHER | PHOTOS: ARPHENOTYPE
Köring's approach to architecture often seems unexpected and futuristic, but always follows a philosophy which is reflected in the name Arphenotype. It creates a relationship between “architectural research” and“phenotype”, the outward appearance of a human being, and refers to the reciprocal influence the two have on each other. In other words, architecture, or the“extended phenotype”, is a human-made product that in turn shapes people's environments. It is additionally influenced by the digital traces human beings leave behind, so-called“virtual extended phenotypes”.
46 | Issue 21 | December 2014
“In essence,” explains Köring, “it is about evolution and communication. The fundamental thought behind this philosophy is that the world consists of systems, which interact through ‘feedback loops’ as defined by Jay Forrester. For example, an architectural ground plan to me is a defined system that
Dietmar Köring. Photo: Thomas Riese