(Un) natural:
Fall 2020 | Semester V | University of Pennsylvania
Neural Pathologies Research Studio with Karel Klein & Patrick Danahy
Collaborators: Christine Eichhorn
Publications: Nominated for Pressing Matters X
(Un)natural is an investigation into the partnership between artificial intelligence and the human decision maker. We view this selection of works, not as the final determinate ending, but rather the culmination of experiments conducted with the collaboration of AI. Utilizing convolutional neural networks and generative adversarial networks, each outcome is carefully positioned, iterated, and re-positioned until a successful, molded output is achieved.
Moving through time, all scales of elements are examined, from the minute workings of seams, joints, parts, and texture within a catalogue of specimens; to the larger relationships of tectonics, erosion, ornament, and materiality within an architectural, even landscape, scale.
These experiments examine architecture through the lens of George Canguilhem’s text, “The Normal and the Pathological”. In it, he defines Pathogens as specific causative agents of disease or disruptions of normative systems. Even further, he defines normal, not always through the lens of pathology, but also as constantly re-defining and re-making as a result of the disruptive presence of pathogens. Using AI networks as a causative agent, these experiments allow us to discover new expressions, new normals, of architecture.
Having a long history of native wood, Governor’s Island, or Pagganuck meaning “Nut Island” inspired a deeper investigation into wood and the myriad possibilities related there. The juxtaposition of such a primitive building material paired with the new possibilities of AI led to an enchanting re-creation of our (un)natural world.
