the world of ollie palmer

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.

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In celebration of my latest toy gun project, here are three anecdotes regarding guns.

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In Unit 14 at Bartlett, we’re interested in the way that people interact with objects, spaces, and things. We look at other things too, but interaction is a big part of what we do.

I have been looking at guns. Toy guns. Lots of ‘em.

Fundamentally, toy guns are weird. We’ve had them for the past few hundred years. The idea that you have a toy that is a replica of an object used to slaughter your fellow man is a tad odd. You don’t really get so many toy guillotines or toy electric chairs, so why guns? What makes little boys love them? Why do countless generations run around fields pretending to shoot each other?

Whilst I am not going to try and solve every question you could have about guns, here’s an overview of my gun rationale. Please note that toy guns are not just for boys, but I’ve characterised the end user as a boy for the sakes of continuity.

This is one of a few projects I’m working on at the moment. It may seem macabre, but I have a fascination with object that you instinctively know how to use. Over the next few months I will be developing a few prototypes and thought experiments regarding toy guns. Watch this space.

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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.
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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…

So excited about the Digital Architecture London conference next month. Organised by Ruairi Glynn, and boasting an impressive lineup (Brett Steele, Stephen Gage, Tony Dunne, Neil Spiller, Usman Haque and many more), the event is sure to be an eye-opener. Perhaps most impressive is the bargain £55 ticket price, with a private view of the simultaneous Digital Hinterlands exhibition.