Machine Myrmecomorphy - SOE 2020 - PRATT GAUD

Pratt Institute Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Design Spring 2020

Machine Myrmecomorphy Neural Ecology and Augmented Mimicry Testing the Limits of Governors Island

Instructor | Karel Klein Co-Instructor | Sandra Nataf

“As a medieval term the marvelous signaled a rupture in the natural order, one, unlike the miraculous, not necessarily divine in origin. This challenge to rational causality is essential to the medievalist aspect of surrealism, its fascination with magic and alchemy, with mad love and analogical thought.�

- Hal Foster 1995

Contents Introduction Research Site Project 01 Project 02 Project 03 Project 04 Bibliography

Introduction The observation, critical to the conception of this studio, that images produced with AI neural networks not only build entities with misappropriated and misaligned features, but that these newly featured forms have a peculiar relationship with their environment due to their mimetic qualities recalls the essay “Mimicry and Legendary Psychasthenia,” by the French sociologist, Roger Caillois. Mimicry, Caillois suggests, is a form of sympathetic magic, which embodies the “overwhelming tendency to imitate, combined with a belief in the efficacy of this imitation.” The AI neural networks work with a plasticity that seamlessly reconstitutes features into entirely new forms – uncanny progenies of a gallimaufry of parentage. Images produced with these networks, like the insect mimicry Caillois references, is akin to “an incantation frozen at its culminating point and having caught the sorcerer in its own trap.” We capitalize on and further utilize the neural networks’ tendency to produce mimetic qualities to consider strange questions about features, entities and space – the entity’s “will to resemble” as the compliment to space’s “will to devour” what it contains.

Research The studio pedagogy is one which foregrounds the radically contemporary problem of how artificial intelligence could be integrated into architectural design practices. The research has focused on convolutional neural networks and style transfer algorithms. Style transfer algorithms incorporate tensor arithmetic to synthesize the form of one image with the style of a second one.

Versions of this technology are currently incorporated into various machine vision problems such as Google image searches, autonomous vehicle interactions, and automated surveillance. The emphasis here is in how this technology mirrors unexpectedly Harold Bloom’s literary theory of originality—that originality results from creative misprision (misinterpretation) of previous masterpieces, or precedents. The technology is introduced to students as a way to circumvent cultural habits of seeing and interpreting visual signifiers to produce unexpected and new relationships of signifiers; to produce that bewildering sense of otherness and surprise.

Site Governors Island, the site for this studio, is an ideal test case for our investigation with its plethora of contextual paradoxes: the natural and the synthetic, the historical and the contemporary, the urban and rural, the terrestrial and aquatic. However, it is the liminal space between these categories that is compelling, the space characterized by ambiguity rather than clarity. The AI neural networks amplify the necessary ambiguity latent in these territorial scaled conditions by introducing artificial density – density revealed and realized through the AI image. Intrinsic to these field conditions are the qualities of density, ambiguity and paradox, terms also used to describe “the marvelous”, as embraced by the Surrealists and defined by Lorraine Daston and Katherine Park, historians of science, in this way: “To register wonder was to register a breached boundary, a classification subverted.” The becoming and dissolving of edges, of figures emerging from and disappearing into fields, of paradoxical features resisting classification – these are the traits we aim to be opportunistic with in order to test our alchemical AI experiments. The results of this studio are speculative proposals of artificial landscapes heavily featured with novel biologic and tectonic aspects upon which architectural elements emerge and dissolve. Crucially, consideration is also given as to how this speculative architecture might engage new ecological discourses with its novel tectonic assemblages and forms.

Project 01 Mara Lookabough

This project speculates on an adaptive architectural and landscape response to sea level rise in New York City. Rather than mitigating an encroaching waters edge, the project is an infrastructural system that adapts and works symbiotically with the water.

Programmatically, the building serves as a center for marine research and education. It is both a monitoring station for bathymetry, tides, currents and sea level rise and a laboratory for marine learning. An interactive and inclusive waters-edge is key to the project’s program; an adaptive response to sea level rise is not just about adaptive infrastructure but about a social consciousness that is willing to live with the water. Public education and community interaction is pivotal in this shifting paradigm. The proposed infrastructure includes a range of outdoor environments for learning and enclosed laboratory pods.

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

dorsoventral wing structural filigree supporting semi-transparent membrane serves as main propellant antenal flagellum flexible appendage extending from upper cranial cavity

abaxial wing dense fretwork stemming from specimen body works as support propellant

specimen skull containing cerebral ganglia and occipital bone

armored extremity scaled members act as sensory organs frontal elytra semi-transparent membrane showing lenticular mimetic markings of armored extremities

exoskeletal tendrils rigid tendrils extend from main body providing structural stability

lateral view of hybrid specimen initial investigation in collaboration with artificial intelligence

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

abaxial wing detail

pliant structure hollow tubular structure supports wing membrane

occiputal elytra semi-transparent membrane showing lenticular mimetic markings of armored extremities

connector ligaments fibrous tissue links occupital elytra to abdominal spine abaxial wing dense fretwork stemming from specimen body works as support propellant

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

exoskeleon detail

armored extremity scaled members act as sensory organs

abdominal spine exoskeletal tendrils becomes internal spinal elements containing vertebra and nerve roots

flexor tendon retractable claw provide defense against predators aid in balance scaled operculum filtering organ provides ventilation; exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, acids and ammonia

exoskeletal tendrils rigid tendrils extend from main body providing structural stability

anterior vertebra vertebra stiffen exoskeletal tendrils and distribute lumbar weight heterocercal tail caudal fin composed of two asymmetrical lobes anchored around vertebral column of exosketeal tendril

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

This specimen model investigates the ai-generated chimerical relationships between biological and tectonic forms.

The two systems are shown hybridized rendered in 3d, physical form with color material and texture.

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

site: governors island, ny

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

west development zone 1:128 protected seawater pool floods during high tide

floodable bioswale permeable landscape of dense, multi-stemmed plants absorb water from heavy rains and storm surge

west development zone 1:64

breakwater made of oyster shells protects island from damage and cultivates oyster growth

activated littoral zone with navigable bridging

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

site: governors island, ny north development zone

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

site: governors island, ny tide: 0.33ft, 11:14am

permeable landscape of dense, multistemmed plants absorb water and accrete sediment to build land base protected swimming channel becomes occupyable at high tide; clean water provided through water filtration system

ecotone estuaries permeate built landscape

spartina alterniflora accumulates sediment enabling other habitat-engineering species, such as mussels, to settle

site: governors island, ny tide: 4.49ft, 4:46am

permeable landscape of dense, multi-stemmed plants absorb water submerged landscape features create protected habitat for marine organisms

Student_Mara Lookabough

dry zone landscape created with hyper-absorbant sandstone surfaces

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

chunk

outdoor event space semi-transparent membrane surfaces reveal water and vegetation below

laboratory enclosed classroom area with access to tidal pool

observation deck tidal pool

outdoor recreation accessible at all tidal levels

classroom / laboratory space rigid skeletal infrastructure creates habitat for vegetation and marine life

maleable filtration system mimics function of salt marsh grasses on a larger scale

entry and exhibition area

low tide observation deck

Student_Mara Lookabough

spartina alterniflora grasses grow on skeletal infrastructure, accumulating sediment

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

chunk model

The building is elevated - not on stilts but built in layers, in levels whose occupancy is dictated by moving datum of the tides. Elevated walkways above the saltwater marsh provide access to the water’s edge. The proposal projects a vision where the water’s edge becomes a new regional center for Governors Island.

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

chunk of chunk

sealed membrane enclosure tubular structural system supports vegetative ground

preserved salt marsh vegetation, human access to periphery via structural pathways accessible salt marsh ground

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

exploded chunk

membrane enclosure

tubular structural system

preserved salt marsh occupiable ground

underwater living support structure

sea floor

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

amsl: +22ft8in

amsl: +9ft3in

high tide: 4.49ft, 4:36am

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

amsl: +9ft3in

Student_Mara Lookabough

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Project 02 Brandon Sanchez

Evolution involving a series of reciprocal changes in two or more non-interbreeding populations that have a close ecological relationship and act as agents of natural selection for each other, as the succession of adaptations of a predator for pursuing and of its prey for fleeing or evading.

Proposed is a research center and public hybrid that forces together a programmatic adjacency in which we are familiar and what we as humans avoid. Through evolution, death defines the adaptations of all life on earth. Here users have the opportunity to donate themselves and loved ones to science in order to have their remains decomposed in the flooded landscape. Here we will observe the internal relationships of marine species that feed and inhabit a decomposing body through the recycling of life. Furthermore, the introduction of man-made grottos will weave into the same habitat used by the research center forming sub-natural public baths. These baths will naturally and unnaturally filter the water for safe swimming and purification of the natural environment.

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

photoreceptor cluster dense bioluminescent clusters used for multispectrum vision and communication between others of the same species

false jaw-club acts as a false jaw with the primary function of defense from large predators

primary exoskeleton hard shell protection ribbed shell structure covers the cranchial chamber

false fins non funtional growths that camouflage the majority of exposed exoskeleton

nematocysts bioluminescent vital Organ and egg protection in the form of potent menatocysts within mesogela

pleopod fin hybrid primarily used as swimming legs; has a secondary function for brooding eggs branchial chamber deep lateral penetration that performs respiratory function houses small shrimp species

coral graft Coral fused at the blood-vessel level is encased in mesogela containing nematocysts provide a pseudo-reef environment for further symbiotic relationships

caudal clusters primary function is used for propulsion serves as a mimic coral cluster for the symbiotic relationship with various reef dwelling fish

feathered pinnule feathered extentions used to filter nutirents out of passing debris; houses various crinoid species that match the vibrant colors of the pinnules

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

branchial chamber provides shelfter for small prawns which in return consume harmful debris before entering the respiratory system

coral graft provides shelter and consistent nutrient sources for smaller inhabitants who, in return, deposit nutrients into the host

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

pinnule matrixes exist as a shelter for several crinoids; their primary function is to filter debris rendering no benefit or harm in return from the guest life-form.

caudal cluster has evolved to mimic ocean flora in order to protect the body’s main form of propulsion; this causes other life to take refuge within the cluster

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

occiptial guide illuminated extension used to guide multi-spectrum vision with adaptable focus

photoreceptors soft photoreceptors blend in with defensive nematocysts which mimic jellyfish

occiptial Skeleton hard-shell, ribbed ocipital skull used to transfer and protect all vision based functions.

cartilagenous connection between the occipital hub and all other neural organs; can contract and extend for versatile movement for protection

skeletal nervus terminal complex hard-shell nervous cluster, responsible for the distribution of commands created by millions of firing neurons neural nematocysts protective nematocysts with limb-like function for protecting the “brain� connective tendons tendons for versatile compression and expansion of all external neural appendages

exposed brain brain consisting of all remaining sensorial lobes and neural activities, deep folds in grey matter show complex brain function skeletal antennae antennae cluster blended into skeletal structure

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

The selected area of the specimen contains much of the observed neural features. This area is the “Neural Hub.�

Furthermore, the detail itself will take a look into not only the features, but the connections between them.

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

west development additive fill expansion to west development that consists of varying levels of marsh and matrixes of riprap infrastructure

water controlled pond for water filtration and oyster growth; bordered by a diverse ecosystem of symbiosis-based life that inhabits the new marshlands

cutaway zone created to study local coevolutionary progress among various native species; bound by bio-receptive infrastructure

floodable wetland varying levels of marshaland, backed by repurposed fill shoreline habitat rigid shoreline for research, backed by rock-like living gabion structure

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

riparian buffer that bounds the furthest floodable point reef ball foundations created to attract various colonizing marine biology in addition to a first layer of low tide buffer

hyper diverse marshlands that consist of floodable ecosystems, littered with colorful mudflats and reef ball systems

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

co-habitat reef system network of reef habitats that function as a natural research site in addition to mitigation effort

decomposition research area internal reefs used to study the effects of bodily decomposition on water quality and co-evolution

habitat barriers synthetic reef barriers that provide co-evolution habitats for various native marine biology

grottos public baths in the form of grottos that define atmospheric qualities linking current research efforts to public recreation

high tide

low tide

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

chunk selection the selected area contains natural and tectonic qualities that describe the duality of the programatic adjacencies

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

bulkhead bath entry and natural bath that sits at an elevation at and above the main pathways; this structure acts as a bulkhead

decomp. reef 01 transplanted reef infrastructure that acts as a co-living and feeding habitat

reef canopy canopy habitat, exposed at low and ebb tide. Home for colorful algae and coral exposed structure sturctural skeleton used to hold all synthetic and natural build ups

exposed grotto grotto structure exposed to show synthetic makeup and spatial qualities

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

The grotto and reef habitats are proposed to coexist in, above and under each other. I am interested in speculating on the idea that recreation and research can come together in order to create new vibrant symbiotic environments.

Student_Brandon Sanchez

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

mass chunk part of the build up that houses grotto spaces and circulation

exterior filter tubes filtration infrastructure for all exteriror runoff

exposed grotto grotto structure exposed to show synthetic makeup and spatial qualities

decomp. reef transplanted reef infrastructure that acts as a co-living and feeding habitat

Student_Brandon Sanchez

filter tubes overgrown infrastructure used to filter incoming overflow to create clean grotto water

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

:: Student_Brandon Sanchez ::

:: ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments ::

Project 03 Haoyuan Wang

Proposed is a new morphology located in the west development zone on Governors Island, authored, in part by AI technologies. This new morphology culls features from marine biology, botany, machine and architectural tectonics. Proposed is a new artificial ground. An artificial nature.

This new site spawns the architectural spaces, teased out from the multifarious and foreign material features that this ground is made with. This highly specific, yet strangely generic architecture sets itself apart from, and then disappears into this unusual material atmosphere.

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

appendages the appendage is exclusively for males, used to attract females during courtship long bony fin the long bony fin has a very strong, porous bone-structure; the orange-hued, filmy tissue covers the structure, and together serves as the main swimming limb for fast locomotion in the water

head the volume of the head is flat, like a compressed bean, and contains the central nervous system and brain

head fin the head fin has only one bone spur attached to a small piece of filmy tissue; this fin assists in keeping the body upright and balanced

snout the mouth is bony and is used to capture microorganisms

leg the leg is a vestigial limb with no specific function anal fin the anal bony fin has six bone spurs and is covered with the orangehued, filmy tissue; this fin is the supportive swimming limb and assists in keeping the body upright and balanced tail the spiral-shaped tail grasps seaweed in order to cease locomotion

leg fin this is an addition fin which assists in keeping the body upright and balanced

abdomen the abdomen is soft and has a reticular pattern; the digestive system is located here

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

radially porous cartilage the cartilage is firm, whitish, and flexible, connecting the fin muscle and the orange filmy tissue

fin muscle the primary muscle concerned with locomotion, covered by orange filmy tissue

gill the orange protrusions are gills, organs for breathing underwater

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

eye ball similar to a fly’s eye, it has a 360 degree range of vision antenna covered by a hard, black shell, this is the organ used for transmitting and receiving acoustic vibrations

gill slit organ for breathing underwater

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

small head fin growing on the bony branch, and with a jellied quality, this fin is typically translucent, only showing the red pattern when its nervous system perceives danger

bony gill white or silver, with the appearance of a screw; originating inside the antenna, is an organ for underwater breathing

bony branch the bony branch is a white, springy cartilage structure and part of the head system; it connects the main body to the small organs surrounding the head, including the fin and antenna

Instructor_Karel Klein

antenna the growth is long and undulating in character, and is encased in a hard, black shell; the base of the antenna is firmly clamped by the bony branch

big head fin growing on the bony branch, and with a jellied quality, this fin is typically translucent, only showing the red pattern when its nervous system perceives dangerbony branch

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

This 3D specimen model has been made based on the 2D specimen image, which generated by the AI system. It gives viewers a more direct way to see and understand the abstract AI generation.

It shows the volume of the specimen’s body, the solid detail of the patterns on the wings and fins, and also shows how the different body parts connected with each other in the 3D world.

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

buffer pool during high tide, the pool fills with sea water; during low tide, the pool basin dries completely cave entry 01 the big cave likes the volcano entrance standing out from the water; it is also the main entry connection to the interior space bony bridge the bony colored rock-like bridge is shaped in a curved mesh tectonic, and connects alternate sides of the site bony tunnel the tunnel is located underground and connects between the main island and the bony bridge; the circular skylights are carved into the top of the tunnel so natural light can be conveyed into the spaces below cave entry 02 the three smaller cave entries connect, and they link to the same interior space as cave entry 01

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

The chunk area is the most interesting area on the proposed site. The complex patterns, like the porous tectonic, gives the area the various space possibility.

The chunk area has also been chosen for the reason of showing the spatial relationship between water, site, and the main island.

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

cave entrance the main entrance to the museum which connects all underground exhibition spaces abstract fish bone the fish bone-shaped structure is the main supportive column at the entrance pavilion

light tunnel the light tunnel is actually two large, vertical tunnel spaces cut through the building; the base of the tunnels are exhibition spaces

underground tunnel the tunnel connecting the main entrance to the museum and the main island; the porous roof allows natural light into the tunnel porous rock platform numerous holes are carved into the ground where visitors can view the ocean water under the rock platform; this occurs primarily during high tide

exhibition chunk 02 one of two large exhibition areas

exhibition chunk 01 one of two large exhibition areas

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

:: Student_Haoyuan Wang ::

:: ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments ::

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Haoyuan Wang

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Project 04 Brett Rappaport

This project collaborates with a neural network to generate complexly hybridized architectural images with an uncanny combination of mechanical and biological resemblance. We are interested in provoking qualities of an artificial sublime by creating a richly featured landscape and occupiable yet objectless landscape. The site on Governors Island encourages a mixture of economic, scientific, and artistic programming that focuses on public engagement and responding to the climate change crisis. This project investigates systems of sustainable food production and aquaculture within structures that intimately contact marine ecosystems and reconfigure the typical built relationship between humans, land, and water.

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

specimen annotated elevation

parietal dome spheroid growth clamped within a golden shell; hydrophobic coating results in droplet collection.

Conductively traps and transmits electrophysiological auditory signals convolutional cortex

retinotopic retwork modular polygonal system of spatially selective receptors; excitation of cells periodically emanate bursts of hazy blue aurora ventral stream innervates convolutional cortex and supplies fresh chemical gradients, the bifurcation of interior boundary strengthens the stream

subdural striations

retinal ganglion bundle dendritic branching from bulbous ball join; notable heterogeneity of dimension and distortion

nascent ganglion growth pearled kernels at tips indicate potential nutritional deficits, proper functioning essential for spatial cognition

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

specimen detail view 01 cnvolutional Cortex & Dorsal Area damaged dorsal area

healthy dorsal area

sigmoidal polyp gashes

concavernous troughs

primary convolutional chord

lattissimus ridge

orbital alloys

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

specimen detail view 02 retinotopic network & epidural striations epidural striations

retinotopic network

ventral mantle fusion

petechiae scorching

transverse adductor

labial palps

oral operculum

invariant serration

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

ventral stream

convolutional cortex

dorsal area

acetabulum

primary ossification center

convolutional head

primary convolutional chord

orbital alloys

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

With the specimen and specimen detail, we are interested in how a visual product can become material. We closely investigate textures, colors and qualities of roughness. We study relationships between parts like sleeving and connections like cartilage and ball and socket joints.

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

ground plan details scale: 1 inch = 50 feet Northwest

agriculture concentrated focus on innovative and sustainable food methods entertainment brewery, bar, restaurant, & bakery, using ingredients from farm and aquaculture labs

Southeast

concentric ridges for erosion control and for the bioswales to collect storm water for tide pools that create vital habitat and research

reinforced pier artificial shoreline reinforced with geotextiles, and planting of native and salt resistant flora

channelization of shoreline the protrusions into the littoral zone provide varying sized habitats for many non-human species

Southwest wetland area the aquatic facility has wetlands on either side; the central dome and segmented oculus is a prominent feature

Student_Brett Rappaport

planned flooding densely planted with many diverging pathways, the north side also houses a boardwalk, wharf, and visible rows of ridges

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

site plan north portion of East development zone

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

calcified tendrils bony matrix forming paths and walkways between levels; multiple routes, widths, and levels of incline bulbous edge

organic lattice

perennial planting native trees and grasses that are well adapted to brackish water exposure; encourage nesting of native species and migratory birds vasular nostrils hyperbolic shaped roof surfaces with large punctures capture rainwater and channel it inside the building to be filtered and used for cooling systems, crrigation dnd aquaculture concentric dune ridges reinforced pier

channelized breakwaters lanes designed to maximize surface area in shallow areas of the littoral zone, these porous protrusions provide habitat for many species and creatures such as crabs, birds, and algae

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

high relieving structures stepped troughs

ecological edge

ample mound

spongy epidermis

ribbed urns

marine sampling cylinders billion yster project nurseries

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

chunk perspective looking northwest

We are interested in questions of artificial nature, a new sublime, umwelts, and hyperobjects. We’re curious how the excessive detail of AI can erase identification of orginal source material and seems to provoke a sense of world-building through calcification, generative growth over long periods of time, or ruinous civilizations slowly being unearthed.

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

:: Student_Brett Rappaport ::

:: ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments ::

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

existing park pathways

wiggling ridges

stretched membrane

pier flagella

bulbous vulgari

shoreline setae

vascular network

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

chunk of chunk axon looking northwest

commercial level public space with covered and outdoor seating ridged circulation ramp compost hold

agricultural level indoor and outdoor growing operations and public space

water transfer silo

existing site + road new sea wall ecological edge + wetlands aquacultural level submersed and sealed labs and offices, tours, and public viewing occupiable under tide pools

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

Instructor_Karel Klein

Co-Instructor_Sandra Nataf

Student_Brett Rappaport

ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments

:: Student_Brett Rappaport ::

:: ARCH 625_Design Studio 6_Studio of Experiments ::

Bibliography Bataille, Georges. The Accursed Share, An Essay on General Economy. Zone Books, 1988.

Bloom, Harold. The Anxiety of Influence. Oxford University Press, 1997.

Bowring, Jacky. “Revealing Concealment: The Strange Case of the MoMA Roof Garden.” Thresholds. No. 30. (Fall 200), The MIT Press. pp 16-23.

Caillois, Roger. “Mimicry and Legendary Psychasthenia.” October vol. 31. (Winter, 1984), The MIT Press. pp 16-32.

Fried, Michael. Art and Objecthood: Essays and Reviews. U of Chicago, 2011.

Flusser, Vilem. Towards a Philosophy of Photography. Reaktion Books, 2000.

Gatys, Leon A., Alexander S. Ecker, and Matthias Bethge. “A Neural Algorithm of Artistic Style.” 10 Dec. 2017.

Harman, Graham. Weird Realism: Lovecraft and Philosophy. Zero Books, 2012.

Latour, Bruno. Down to Earth: Politics in the New Climatic Regime. Polity Press, 2018.

May, John. “Everything Is Already an Image.” LOG 40. S.l.: ANYONE CORPORATION, 2017. pp 9-26.

Metz, Cade. “How A.I. is Creating Building Blocks to Reshape Music and Art.” The New York Times.

14 Aug. 2017.

Roberts, Donna. “Coral, ‘Curiosity’, and the Influence of Surrealism on Contemporary Display.” Exhibition Review: Coral: Something Rich and Strange, The Manchester Museum, 29 Nov 2013 – 16 Mar 2014.

Roberts, Donna. “Surrealism and Natural History: The Marvellous in Breton and Caillois” David Hopkins (ed.). A Companion to Dada and Surrealism. Wiley and Blackwell, 2016.

Roberts, Donna. “Surrealism: The Ecological Imperative” Michael Richardson and Krzsztof Fijalkowski (eds.) Surrealism: Key Concepts. London: Routledge, 2016.

Shklovsky, Victor. “Art as Technique” English translation: pg 15-21 Literary Theory: An Anthology.

Blackwell Pub, 2004.

Spuybroek, Lars. The Sympathy of Things. Bloomsbury Academic, 2nd Edition. 2016.

Pratt Institute Graduate School of Architecture and Urban Design Spring 2020

Thank you

Instructor | Karel Klein Co-Instructor | Sandra Nataf