Unit 5 explored architecture as the crystallisation of environmental energies, harnessed and directed into forms by a scientist-architect; who is perceived to deal with forces not objects. We investigated the dynamic correlations between objects, environment and human experiences, through analogue and digital methods. Students were introduced to programming as a means to think algorithmically about the generation of shape and form, and to setup an opportunity to think computationally about interaction, and life dynamics. The ambition being to approach architecture in a manner that recognises the creative propensity of life and to capitalise on its self-organising and emergent properties – to explore architecture as the moulding of forces to influence life in a desired direction.
“Galactic” pertains to the unusual or extraordinary; that which is not known, or is to be imagined, but having been realised transforms understanding. The galactic (re)informs perception and sensibilities. It is the realisation of the potential. Taking a correalistic approach we ignored boundaries separating artistic genres, and distinguishing scientific information to inform an approach to generating architectural scenarios that seek to define propositions that unite the arts, science and technology through architecture.
Embracing the correlation between an organism and its environment as a global system of complex reciprocal relationships we explored “life” as a process of communication and signification. Understanding life as continuity, a nucleus of possibilities, constituted through and by space and time we examining cases from art, architecture, science and philosophy to articulate architectural propositions that express living conditions and emphasise coordination of heterogeneous elements, forces and tensions inherent to conditions of inhabitation.
Unit 5 was invited to exhibit at the York Festival of Ideas, and to present their innovative visions for the city of York. The students setup a thought-provoking exhibition titled, ‘Design for Galactic Life on Earth: How can architectural intervention be used to instigate change?’ Watch Unit 5’s trip to York on YouTube.
Stephanie Elward was chosen to exhibit her work at the RIBA Fresh Perspective Exhibition and was also nominated for RIBA Silver medal, and was runner up in the 3D Reid Student Prize.
Tutors: Emmanouil Zaroukas, Chris Jones, Dr Tim Ireland.