Atmospheric Structures

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: The work connects to an important development in contemporary design, architecture, art and theory which investigates the aesthetics of perception as a critical but often overlooked aspect of experiencing the 'lived' space and environment; as seen in the work of internationally significant practitioners such as Olafur Eliasson, Philippe Rahm , Fujiko Nakaya and Junahi Pallasmaa. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION:Over the past five years I have been exploring the perceptual qualities of air - so that they can be envisaged and fashioned - opening a new realm of design; the design of an intangible medium.Primarily explorative, numerous devices and techniques were devised with which to observe and manipulate air, and the various stimuli and effects it produces. These experiments have generated their own momentum and become discreet works in themselves. 'Atmospheric Structure' used a computer controlled pneumatic actuator to produce a dipolar vortex (smoke-ring) every minute over eight weeks. The intention of this installation was to explore and highlight how air (fluid) has a propensity to create structures and patterns, some of which are surprisingly coherent and stable. The vortex structure is the signature pattern of fluid movement and has an inherent beauty as it gracefully moves through the air. This experiment showed how the atmosphere would generate a unique trajectory for each, initially identical, vortex structure. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE:This exhibition contributes to a larger body of research investigating the design of interior air and atmosphere. Through such exhibitions, which are treated as research laboratories, research is made public and the engagement of visitors is used to inform, refine and focus the design investigation. With 3510 visitors, more then 12 tour groups from educational institutions, well attended lectures and extensive online, radio and print media coverage, this exhibition was highly successful in achieving this objective.