Details of the geometric, parametric "Cellular Complexity", the 2x8: EVOLVE Exhibition winner in L.A

The Cellular Complexity design scheme proves that cells are the building blocks of life indeed. Created by UCLA lecturer Julia Körner, Marie Boltenstern, and Kais Al-Rawi, Cellular Complexity was the chosen winner in a competition to design the AIALA 2x8 EVOLVE Exhibition, which was recently held at the Architecture + Design Museum in Los Angeles. The annual exhibition showcases exemplary student work that best represent the core visions of architecture + design institutions across California.

The installation, with its twisting planes and parametric form, was inspired by complex cellular systems and their potential to be used in architectural applications. The project was also a finalist in the 2013 TEX-FAB SKIN Competition

Take a gander at it below.

Project description:

"Cellular Complexity is an installation which exhibits the potential of cellular geometries at a spatial architectural scale. Cellular systems exist within the organization of biological systems in a multitude of scales from the nano to the micro and macro; they embody performative properties structurally, thermally and acoustically."

"This installation rethinks the scale at which these systems organically exist, towards an architectural scale which can be re-organized to a diverse range of applications and performative parameters. The installation capitalizes on the potential of computational algorithmic design methods and the ability to generate complex geometries which address specific contextual parameters."

"The design developed for the EVOLVE exhibition is inspired by these cellular systems. They offer the  potential of efficient gradient differentiation through porosity, within a unified space-packing geometrical system. The exhibit design consists of 264 cells varying in size, porosity and twist; they are algorithmically generated and are organized along two opposing surfaces which transition in orientation through a smooth twist."

"The twisted surface geometries redefine the traditional relationship of horizontal ground planes towards vertical wall planes by creating a transition that blends both planes within a three dimensional system. The transitional dynamic of the design creates enticing intermediary spaces, both between and along the two opposing surfaces. The developed system inherits design adaptability towards various spatial arrangements and constraints through the generative algorithmic design process."

"The exhibit is entirely composed of standardized sheet materials which themselves hold a cellular structure (Expanded PVC) and were fabricated utilizing digital CNC fabrication technologies. The assembly starts from entirely flat-packed parts, and requires no mechanical fasteners or adhesives and is easily reversible and transportable."

The Research was acknowledged with several awards:
2014 - upcoming exhibition S,M,L,XLA at A+D Museum LA 
2013 - Winner AIAILA - 2x8 annual exhibition design - A+D Museum LA 
2013 - Finalist TEX FAB SKIN Competition - exhibited at Acadia Conference  
2012 - 2nd prize Suckerpunch Competition  
2012 - Architectural Association - thesis commendation

All photos courtesy of the Cellular Complexity design team