The latest architectural masterpiece, the Towers project, has been unveiled at the ICA, showcasing a creative fusion of design, light, and materiality. The brainchild of a talented team from the M.Arch core 5010 studio, the project known as "Hide & Seek" challenges traditional architectural norms and pushes the boundaries of creativity.
Led by their instructor, Laia Mogas-Soldevila, the team comprised Leean Li, Jonathan Bonezzi, Lisa Liu, and Jiapeng Sun. They were given the task of creating a 7-foot tower, and their unique interpretation resulted in an innovative structure that challenges conventional notions of form and material use.
The project's theme was "lighthouse," and the team was encouraged to employ lights, fabric, and moire patterns to reimagine the tower as a combination of "frames," "fabric," and "joints." They were also instructed to break one rule in the process, fostering creative exploration.
The Towers project is a masterpiece of architectural ingenuity. It is composed of units of frame, fabric, joint, and strings. The frame incorporates complex hidden joints that provide structural integrity. These joints, like "backstage" characters, remain concealed within the panels.
The tower is cloaked in detachable frames that house a variety of fabrics, including athletic mesh, poly mesh, and poly chiffon. The magnetized fabric frames allow for dynamic alterations and reimagining of the tower's materiality. This integration of frame and surface creates an almost invisible edge and a collection of floating surfaces.
The interior of the tower is a network of strings, which interact with the exterior through lighting effects, adding a new dimension of materiality to the structure. At the top of the tower, a unique geometric anomaly breaks the mold of the panels structurally and materially, layering another level of material and texture to the project.
"Hide & Seek" is a testament to the creative prowess of the team. Its innovative design, intricate detailing, and imaginative use of materials make it a remarkable addition to the world of contemporary architecture. The project has attracted considerable attention.
"Hide & Seek" represents a daring departure from convention and an exciting step forward in the world of architectural design.