Immanent Elasticity

soma architecture invites visitors to immerse themselves in an adaptable, cloud-like spatial structure, a weave of elastic fibers developed especially for the MAK Gallery.

The exhibition, which was conceived as part of the series APPLIED ARTS. NOW, is based on intensive studies of elastic material systems by soma architecture and departs from conventional methods of design.

Architecture manifests itself as an elastic discourse in the sense of an open, individual interpretation and perception of space. The work consists of fiberglass-reinforced plastic cells, a material that through internal stresses produces a kinematic potential and can be reshaped in a variety of ways through movement. Externally applied forces cause parts of the work to fold out of their three-dimensional shape to form a flat structure. The chain-like construction allows local changes to affect neighboring cells, which results in characteristic, repeating patterns. The flexible structure is based on a system of materials that was developed in cooperation with students at the Vienna University of Technology.

With Immanent Elasticity, soma architecture has once again pursued a speculative conception of space that deals with the complex interactions between perception and geometric principles. The spatial structure of the exhibition can be described by “Lsystems” (named after the Hungarian biologist Aristid Lindenmayer), which, based on the reproduction of basic rules, are also used to simulate plant growth, among other things.

The installation at the MAK is reminiscent of a living, growing organism despite the artificial nature of the material, and appears chaotic and ambiguous in spite of its stringent adherence to rules and clear geometric structure.