press

Please send press inquiries to:

Joanne Jakovich
Senior Lecturer, School of Architecture
+61 409 204 236
Email: Joanne.Jakovich@uts.edu.au

Press Release follows [download pdf here]:

SkinForm, a project by 15 UTS Master of Architecture students, is a full scale prototype which controls and understands the needs of its visitors and the need to adapt to them, similar to the way Japanese sliding doors can divide one space into private spaces.

The SkinForm experiment uses a series of 15 modular air filled arches that, with a combination of multi layered expandable skin and computerised mechanical systems, creates a full-scale immersible space that can expand and contract in a fluid motion. Due to its modular system, SkinForm can easily be reconfigurable to suit any location.

"We have intentionally moved the context of interactive art into an architectural context, a new exploration of function that brings something that is as small into a large responsive machine embedded in the city." Said Sarah Breen leader of Material team, and final year Master of architecture Student.

"SkinForm is based on how interactive technologies will be integrated into architecture. Instead of direct interaction, SkinForm is an invisible system that adapts to the individual for a pre defined purpose – for instance maintaining comfort and adapting privacy within a public space," Said Erik Escalante leader of concept team, and 4th year Master of architecture Student.

In a larger sense, the underlying research of SkinForm is primarily aimed to be used in future building systems – the non static building that autonomously transforms private enclosed spaces to public open spaces, depending on specific socio-cultural situations. Secondly, this research allows the system to be integrated within it to counteract other environmental issues such as glare, UV, wind, noise and humidity.

SkinForm is being launched at 6pm on the 12th of June 2008 in the DAB Courtyard, in conjunction with the UTS Architecture Exhibition at 702-730 Harris Street - Ultimo. Supported by: PTW - Ricky Richards - Neil's electrical services - Fretwell Photography - Spray Booth services Australia - Electus Distribution - Plastix

For more information visit. www.skinform.net