‘Pheromone agent strategies’ is apart of a one-year graduation project by Matthijs la Roi. In this research he is attempting to redefine the central station in Almere located in the Netherlands. When I first viewed the video of his work about the shape and design for this project I immediately related it to synapses in the brain. I could imagine information being sent from one point to another and this forming a path that would later become integrated into a structure, essentially a network.
courtesy of Matthijs la Roi
As with most central station design, this project aimed to enhance connectivity and provide a multifunctional area for the public, and just like a pheromone, trigger a social response. To make the most out of the space, Matthijs la Roi used various mathematical principles such as Dijkstra algorithm’s, analyzed swarm behavior, and ant-trails, in order to determine the pathways for the structure. The programming itself ran a series of experiments that eventually produced this abstract proposal revealing a solution that highlighted both efficient and pleasant routes through the site.
courtesy of Matthijs la Roi
Since this project is still in development, I don’t feel confident going into much more detail about the design. I will however finish with this final statement by Matthijs la Roi, which I believe is one of the more important aspects that should be taken away from this research.
“Organizing infrastructure is the main interest in this project, not only to make a more efficient network but also to revitalize the area by influencing the behavior patterns of the users of the area.”
courtesy of Matthijs la Roi
© Matthijs la Roi
Matt Davis is a Virginia Tech graduate and one of the founding editors behind Arch2O. Launching the platform in mid‑2012 alongside fellow Hokies, he helped shape its identity as an international hub for design innovation and critical dialogue . With a foundation in architectural education and a passion for uncovering unconventional design approaches, Matt has contributed significantly—both editorially and strategically—to Arch2O’s growth, ensuring that emerging architects, academics, and creatives have a space to question, explore, and elevate the built environment.