AMOEBIC AI-ASSISTED ARCHITECTURES

Digital Artworks

2023

Multi-scalar and morphologically heterogeneous, these images visualize a post-material tomorrow, yet to be understood, where building materials no longer pollute the natural environment, but coexist peacefully. Conventional structures are replaced with layers of membranes, fractal biomorphic shells, and naturally-regulated interior atmospheres. Some scenes, at a glance, resemble an unnaturally grown venus fly trap, cellular and column-like, translucent in its leafing and folding to reveal a botanical network inside. The architectures turn to basic core biology, existing in soft geometric and material growths that are amoebic, gentle, and womb-like. 

The physicist Dennis Gabor invented holography in 1940, 20 years before science caught up with him to build the first laser in 1960. Gabor imagined a future before the understanding and technology even existed for his invention. Similarly, visual futures can be imagined and studied before being immediately understood.

“THE FUTURE CANNOT BE FORESEEN, BUT FUTURES CAN BE INVENTED.”

— Dennis Gabor

The successive nature of this type of exploration mandates a pluralistic perception of nature and its relationship with the built environment, accelerating the search for a more harmonious way of co-existence.

In addition to envisioning material futures, the images serve to critique the current vogue of biomorphic expressionism. The imagined structures toe the line between utopian and dystopian. Depending on the sociopolitical or ecological context in which they could exist, the bright soft colours and lush plants could indicate hope, but there is also the danger of an oppressive or totalitarian tone in the looming, towering figures.

This sense of dissonance is also felt in the organic and built vessels that are inexplicably different in scale and origin. At a time when the internet is quickly becoming supersaturated with garish and polished ai concepts, THAW OUT puts focus on conceptual architecture through a nuanced lens with a subtle and delicate aggregation of forms and colours that provoke and stimulate, rather than ascertain any notion of finality. 

SVIMA BIO

SVIMA (svee · ma) is an award-winning architecture and art studio that creates transformational and futuristic spaces and artworks. Founded in 2015 in Toronto, Svima’s approach draws strongly from nature and technology in the pursuit of a liminal sublime. The work has been described as biomorphic, marrying the organic with the high-tech.
As a professionally registered architecture practice, Svima’s research focus is on novel technologies for modeling, manufacturing, and imagining architecture. The word svima translates roughly to “for all.” In every project, from spaces, to structures, artworks, graphics, and objects, the intent of elevating the lived experience for everyone remains at the center.

PARTNERS

Anamarija Korolj, OAA MArch

Anamarija Korolj strives to create evocative and expressive forms, working in the fields of architecture, industrial design, furniture, and art. She believes in high-quality housing for everyone. She designed a work-live housing proposal that was chosen to exhibit with Team Canada at the 2014 Venice Biennale in Architecture (curated by Rem Koolhaas) as part of Arctic Adaptations with Lateral Office.

Recurring aesthetic motifs in Anamarija’s work include expressive forms, curvature, digital expression, critique of technology, ethereal colours, surrealism, and the sublime. Anamarija teaches at the University of Toronto and Ryerson University, and holds a Master of Architecture (M.Arch) with honours.

Leon Lai, OAA MArch

Leon Lai’s work questions the notions of the self and the city, and their impact on the natural environment. He has an interest in industrial forms and urban infrastructural systems. Driven by a belief that art and design are important platforms for social engagement and the improvement of collective well-being, Leon strives to create precise and enduring designs.

Leon has taught at the University of Waterloo and the University of Toronto. He is a registered architect and manages the Design Review Panel at Waterfront Toronto. As the recipient of the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada Graduate Medal, Leon earned his Master of Architecture at the University of Toronto.

CONTACT

Press Inquiries Email: press@svima.ca

Studio Instagram: @svima__

See the artworks in real time on Instagram: @svima_sketch

For our previous exhibition, Soft Shield, see here: Soft Shield

Feel free to contact us at press@svima.ca if you have any thoughts! We look forward to sharing our work.