UTS Architecture students and PTW's Chris Bosse install 'Digital Origami'

Groundbreaking work in architecture using digital design and fabrication techniques is on display in an installation - Digital Origami - at 72 Erskine Gallery, opening 5.30pm, 18 May. A result of an intensive studio led by Chris Bosse, an associate of PTW, for architecture students from the University of Technology, Sydney, it will run until 25 May.

Following his experience of working on the organic modular design of the 'Watercube' - a collaboration between PTW, Ove Arup and CSCEC for the competition winning National Swimming Centre for the Beijing Olympics - Chris has been leading a Digital Architecture Master class to develop futuristic architectures that draw inspiration from systems in nature, such as reefs and bubbles.

The outcome of this group's collaborative work uses new digital techniques of designing and fabrication and develops expertise in the Master of Digital Architecture studios led by Anthony Burke.

The result also highlights the direction architecture is taking globally.

"The benefits to our students of having Chris working with them is immeasurable," said Associate Professor Sandra Kaji-O’Grady, Head of the School of Architecture at UTS. "Chris is widely recognised as one of the most interesting architects of his generation and his interests in digital softwares and new fabrication methods coincide with those of the school."

"Where many digital architects have been confined to virtual architectural production, Chris has achieved the realisation of groundbreaking designs in complex conditions and with real material and budgetary constraints," said Kaji-O’Grady.

"This exhibition demonstrates how well our students are equipped to be involved with real materials and situations, yet still be digitally savvy."

3500 recycled cardboard modules of two different designs have been laser cut, stacked and installed to produce an innovative installation that almost entirely fills the gallery across several floors. Computer controlled luminaires in the sophisticated ERCO Light System DALI allows the installation to come alive.

Acoustic enhancement is by Sydney artist and researcher Joanne Jakovich. Her interactive, multilayered sound environment responds to the shades of luminosity in the space.

Digital Origami, 72 Erskine St, Sydney, 15 – 25 May 2007.

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