“It replicates a biological principle in a highly geometrical artifact. Creating something that doesn’t look like a natural form but uses exactly the same process of design found in nature”
Above: Mehran Gharlegi, standing next to DNAted, the central sculpture for the Arts and Humanity Festival 2015, in collaboration with Brian Sutton, professor of molecular biophysics at King’s College. Photo ©Agnese Sanvito Below: Showing 500 individually unique variations of the GeMo Collection. GeMo vases were created using the same principles as complex Islamic art patterns
Institute at King’s College for the 2015 Arts & Humanities Festival in London, the project created a sculptural form using the language of DNA, where the combination of bases had different effects and structures, just as the different combinations of bases in DNA lead to different protein structures. “It replicates a biological principle in a highly geometrical artifact. Creating something that doesn’t look like a natural form, but uses exactly the same process of design found in nature.” The application of this idea remains a concept for buildings, as they embody many complexities such as electricals and piping, but Gharleghi says it is practical for town and city planning, and the shells of structures and objects. He wanted to create a series of chairs for DNAted, but explained he was advised against the idea, despite it being possible. “My genetic advisor said it was going to be too much for people.” Whether that’s true or not, the desire to create a language for design that can be used by many reflects Gharleghi’s interest in working across cultures, and schools. It also reflects his belief that design and architecture are extensions of one another, and can learn from scientific models. He may largely turn towards his homeland for historical precedents, but the symbiosis of history and the scientific reveals an ideology shared by other contemporary Iranian architects; one of a new, pluralistic outlook, creating a bold vision for the future beyond constraints of the past, limitations of certain disciplines, and cultural differences.
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