Alloplastic Architecture | Behnaz Farahi
“Behnaz FARAHI BOUZANJANI: How might we imagine a space that—over time—can build up an understanding of its users through their bodily gestures, visual expressions and rituals of behavior, and respond accordingly? In other words, how might we envision a genuinely interactive space whose form and physical configuration can respond to and learn from its users, and vice versa?
Courtesy of Behnaz Farahi
This project addresses these questions. It looks at the interface between remote sensing, interactive media and architecture to explore the possibility of an interactive environment that both conditions and responds to the user’s movements and emotions (…)Such an architecture could be described as an “Alloplastic architecture.”
Courtesy of Behnaz Farahi
“Tensegrity structures are, of course, nothing new. What is new, however, is the potential for these structures to adapt and change their form. In this project I used Shape Memory Alloy [SMA] springs and other devices that have come to operate as “muscles” that can realign a structure within a constant overall equilibrium that is maintained as other springs or expandable elements adjust their length to compensate for that initial movement, thereby reconfiguring the entire structure.
Courtesy of Behnaz Farahi
Another device that was explored in this project was the use of the Kinetic motion sensing device. Not only can this device begin to recognize bodily movements and judge distance and depth, but it also has the capacity to learn from users and adapt to them with time.”
Project info :
Designer and Fabricator: Behnaz Farahi
Preformer: Nicole Ives
Year: 2012
Status: Built
Location: Los Angeles, CA, US
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.