Archinect - News

Florida Atlantic University's Joseph Choma leads students to explore folded fiberglass structures

2023-08-04T15:17:00-04:00

A research studio led by Florida Atlantic University (FAU) Director of the School of Architecture, Joseph Choma, uses foldable structures to construct a pop-up structure for Google.

Much of Choma's work has explored innovative design methods through complex geometric structures, materials, and experimental construction methods. For his latest studio, Choma implemented his pedagogical approach of "teaching through research and research through teaching" by having students collaborate on an applied research project with Google. In working with Google's Head of UX Workplace Design, Amy Badersnider, she promoted the studio to discover a new way to "design space as a product" and explore ways to "design and fabricate deployable structures which can be used for community engagement initiatives" globally. She challenged the students by asking, "How do we take product research outside of corporate headquarters and engage the public directly within outdoor public spaces?" The end result dev...

Joseph Choma will become the next Director of the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University

2022-04-01T17:46:00-04:00

Clemson University’s Joseph Choma has been announced as the next Director of the School of Architecture at Florida Atlantic University (FAU).

Choma is currently the Director of the Design Topology Lab and has been the Director of Clemson’s Master of Science in Architecture program since July. Choma will take office effective July 1st and replaces Associate Professor Francis E. Lyn, who has been serving as Interim Director.

Earlier on Archinect: Joseph Choma explains why folding is important to the field of architecture

His work centers on material innovation, experimental construction methods, and the impact of complex geometries on the built environment. Noteworthy projects have included a recent studio exploring the application of his patented foldable fiberglass structures as shelter in the wake of natural disasters, an installation for the AIA’s Atlanta Emerging Voices competition in 2013, and the solo exhibition Object to Atmosphere for the Barbara Archer Gallery, also in Atlan...

New York-based Hou de Sousa creates Prismatic, a kaleidoscope spectacle

2018-12-10T14:13:00-05:00

If you find yourself in Washington, DC in the upcoming month, a spectacle of light, color, and form finds a temporary home in Georgetown Waterfront Park. Designed specifically for the park, New York-based architecture and design office Hou de Sosa creates a mesmerizing installation that provides a kaleidoscope effect. With the design process occurring in three phases, the duo uses a single box celluated by prisms starting from a center point to mimic the contextual features of the area. This technique allows for an array of perspectives that passersby can experience.

Prismatic © Hou de Sousa

Appropriately named, Prismatic is an experience that allows for the public to immerse and explore within the multi-angular form. Using a moiré effect, the sculpture consists of iridescent cords woven through steel lattice. The gaps between the polychromatic cords are the key to creating this dynamic visual effect. Using the foreground as a contributing factor to the piece, visitors are able to wa...

Gianni Botsford Architects raises the roof in London's Notting Hill

2018-11-02T19:23:00-04:00

Located in London's Notting Hill lies a contemporary residential home hidden within the back row of Victorian style villas. Gianni Botsford Architects used the limited space and urban landscape to their advantage when constructing House in a Garden. The 2659 square foot home, originally a dilapidated bungalow built in the 1960's features eye-catching structural details.

Aerial view Image © Gianni Botsford Architects

Due to limited space, the team at Gianni Botsford investigated the possible geometric forms that could be used to create this residential home. Cautious with its construction, the architectural team made it a point not to obstruct the surrounding areas whilst ensuring the home featured enough natural light and space. The decision became clear that to ensure the functional renovation of the home making space started below ground.

On the ground floor the home's defining feature is its copper clad roof. Constructed out of g...

The experimental nature of Murray Music House, a single family home designed by Carazo Arquitectura

2017-05-11T14:03:00-04:00

Blending elements of brutalism and pronounced geometric framing, the Murray Music House designed by Carazo Arquitectura is technically a single family home, designed for two parents and three children. The fundamental concept underlying its design is "Living Through the Experimentation," which helps to explain the use of changeable elements like ceiling-suspended fabric chairs and mesh netting in the hallways. By placing malleable objects into the solid frame of the home, the architects hope to constantly engage the occupants in creating new uses for spaces such as the bedroom, kitchen, and the hallway. "Experiencing a home like Murray Music includes exploration, giving another meaning and other use to spaces that normally have specific functions," as the architects explain. But these elements are not the only method of inspiring experimentation.

The rather severe geometry, which includes a black rectilinear frame hovering over the kitchen and a vertical slanted skylight with unabas...

Take a virtual reality tour of "different planes of the digital and physical universe"

2017-01-20T10:40:00-05:00

You don't need a blacklight for this one: Morphogenesis, a full-length virtual reality experience that transports the viewer through elaborate, thrill-inducing shapes, will definitely take you out of this world, at least for a few minutes. The geometrically derived immersive spaces it generates come with their own audio soundtrack, adding a certain eerie/cool dimension all its own. Check out the trailer for this creation from two San Francisco-based Fulbright Scholars: