Hexactinellus Euplectellidae

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: As a key exhibition within the celebrations of the European Capital of Culture, an invitation was put out for select researchers to respond to the themes of Maribor 2112Ai [ Architectural Intelligence], speculating on the future development of Maribor over 100 yearsThe exhibition, engaging over 100 projects, was curated by Professor Tom Kovac and Fleur Watson. 'Hexactinellus Euplectellidae' was William's project and it drew on the research of studio collaborators to develop a coherent architectural proposal. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: Significant speculation on the future material and infrastructure of cities has been undertaken within contemporary architectural discourses. This project sought to engage contemporary concepts and research which utilise and distribute 'smart' biological matter for capturing energy, enhancing performance and deeply embedding computational technologies. The proposed result at an urban scale is a city which, in spatial and aesthetic terms, is gradually receding into the landscape. Rather than conventional planning paradigms, the city literally grows and as such a variety of requirements are deeply embedded within its fabric. The notion of deeply embedded patterns explicitly references the 'Powers of Ten' videos of Charles and Ray Eames (1977). RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The project was selected for exhibition in the Slovenian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale and subsequently at the Urban Space Gallery in Maribor. These exhibitions, in particular the former, are major public forums for contemporary architectural discourse. The project is published in the accompanying exhibition catalogue. The excellence of the 2112Ai exhibition was further recognised when it was selected finalist in the 2013 Victorian Premiers Design Awards.