Bilateral Phenotype

•

WINTER 2015

Bilateral Phenotype investigates new forms of living through geometric operations that are not common in current practice. The odd relationships in form and context is what guides the project to an assembly of nested objects. Exploring natural examples of bilaterality, the design is interested not in the genetic, or genotypical reason for symmetry, but instead the physical manifestation, or the phenotype. For instance, insects are genetically almost perfectly bilaterally symmetrical. However, their actual appearance may not be so depending on the role of phenotype in their growth.

Located in Stephansplatz in the center of Vienna with a direct view to the famous cathedral, the design stemmed from the mirroring of the same tetrahedron unit; the pieces nested together to fit compactly inside a containing “skin”. Symmetry and geometry are applied to the building through a contemporary method while still reflecting the Gothic values of the cathedral. A baroque inverted arch pattern is projected onto the exterior, creating aperture and opportunity for activated poché. These odd relational pairings can be seen in architectural works such as the ‘Entrance to the Grotto of the Hortus Palatinus’ establishing autonomous relationships to historical precedent.

Contributors: Veronika Bakalova | Olivia Kempf

Critic: Matias del Campo

PRIMITIVE