Here’s the presentation I gave in Copenhagen last week regarding my Physical Virus project. The project is an architectural conversation about invasive species; the first step is to create a ballet performance using ants, using a series of modified printers to print pheromones and influence ant behaviour. This presentation shows briefly the main stages involved in the execution of the project, a few influences, and some videos pilfered from various places.
You can also see the first batch of ants on flickr here.
I am currently in the research phase for a new project in Unit 14. Whilst I’m not in a position to show off any fancy drawings, diagrams or bits of circuitry yet, I thought perhaps a list of the influences that are working their way into this subject might give a preview of where it may go…
The following statement is true.
The previous sentence is false.
This week, the AVATAR students at the Bartlett School of Architecture have been working under the guidance of visiting lecturer Perry Kulper (University of Michigan). Perry’s work investigates the potential of methodology in the working process, aiming not to create buildings, but rather to progress the cultural effectiveness and agency of architecture. Whilst working in the field of architecture and architectural education, he often eliminates buildings as an outcome, and has produced hundreds of provocative, rich and intensively laboured drawings. Spending four days under his tuition was a privilege, and the general consensus from the year group is overwhelmingly positive. » Read the rest of this entry «
OK, so I’ve been fairly lax with blog entries recently. That, dear readers, is not due to a lack of excitement – perish the thought! – but a general lack of time to document it all.
I will soon be developing a series of projects at the Bartlett School of Architecture as part of an Masters in Architectural Design AVATAR, studying directly under some of the people who have heavily influenced my past work. To say that I am very excited would be an understatement…
We have a slight problem with the alleyway outside the flat. Being just off the main street – and lower than street level – our ‘back passage’ makes the ideal place for Brixton’s prostitutes to ply their wares. We can tell from the constant trail of used condoms in the gravel.
There are two positives that I can ascertain from this situation:
Firstly, it is reassuring to know that even the skankiest of prostitutes (and Brixton has some munters walking the strip) uses protection.
Secondly, I admire their resourcefulness. In the current financial climate, we’re all trying to reduce our overheads, and their innovative cutting back on rent scheme warrants merit.
However, as a resident, you are always left wondering if you shall someday have to confront a copulating crackwhore and her client(s) when you enter or leave the house late at night. Plus, there are quite a few condoms to clean up.
We now have three anti-crackwhore measures. Firstly, we installed a gate. This worked from an anti-prostitute point of view, but we also stopped getting mail. So we had to leave the gate open – and effectively welcome back the women of the night.
Secondly, we installed a light with a motion detector, so that any movement would trigger a burst of light the whole way down the alley. But to no avail. Maybe they do it without motion these days. Or maybe the light just helps. It’s certainly easier to find our keyhole now…
The latest anti-crackwhore measure is to make the alleyway a tad perplexing. Outside the door we have a black-and-white 1912 print of a family who have returned from a fox hunt, with the message ‘Like Father, Like Son’ printed underneath.
