Biology Meets Architecture at UK College of Design
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Jan. 14, 2011) — The University of Kentucky College of Design, in coordination with Land of Tomorrow (LOT) and the University of Calgary, will bring to Lexington architect Josh Taron, known for his work melding biological concepts with design through computer technology. During his stay, Taron will present the five-day workshop "Particle Protocols," give a public lecture and exhibit "Accumulations" with Joelle Schultz, featuring student work from UK created during the workshop.
Taron is an assistant professor of architecture at the University of Calgary where he investigates biological computation and computational design. He is co-director of the Laboratory for Interactive Design where he is able to meld research in the fields of computer science, bioinformatics, medicine and architecture. Taron is also principle of Synthetiques, a design studio with an emphasis in hybrid ecologies.
"Particle Protocols" workshop will begin with tutorials on applying methods of interface and exchange between different particle-based software (Processing and Maya) on Monday, Jan. 17. During the workshop, students from UK College of Design will be provided with a series of parametric definitions that explore both static and dynamic neighborhood conditions in agent-based environments. Student teams will then produce short projects including fabrication-ready files using these techniques. Students will also participate in the final fabrication of the "Phlebotomic Formations" gallery installation at the Land of Tomorrow. A free public lecture featuring Taron will be presented at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 19, 209 Pence Hall.
The students’ work from Taron's workshop at UK College of Design will be highlighted alongside the work of local ceramics artist, Joelle Schultz, in "Accumulations." The free public exhibition will open with a reception at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 21, at LOT, and will run through Feb. 11.
Taron’s work on display, "Phlebotomic Formations," is an installation piece, designed to cover the interior with an undulating surface. The work is an architectural interpretation of methods for bloodletting using biocomputational science as its means. The material fabrication of a bloodletting process translates the act of wounding into a symbol of reproduction. The full-scaled installation will be completed during the workshop with at UK with students from the College of Design.
For further information on the "Particle Protocols" workshop featuring Josh Taron, contact the UK College of Design at (859) 257-7617. For more information on the "Accumulations" exhibition, contact Angela Torchio at angela@landoftomorrow.org or visit LOT's website at www.landoftomorrow.org.