University of Kentucky’s College of Design has a rigorous research and fabrication studio called PERFORMA. Professor Mike Mckay runs the studio and conducts research that involves the study of material systems and strategies to design multi-performance systems utilizing optimization, aggregation, and competence.
Courtesy of © University of Kentucky College of Design
Installation at Land of Tomorrow (LOT), Lexington, KY (Photo: Magnus Lindqvist)
The challenge at PERFORMA studio is to research methods that allow designers to create active recognized systems using minimal supplies and methods without the need to rely on speedy prototyping techniques. Professor Mckay removes the reliance of computer-aided software’s so the students are forced to experiment with materials and understand methods of a fabrication system so they have a better understanding of how tectonics work.
Courtesy of © University of Kentucky College of Design
Installation at Land of Tomorrow (LOT), Lexington, KY (Photo: Magnus Lindqvist)
The students gain insight into how the structure works. Mckay describes the students gaining the knowledge that just because it works in their study model that it probably won’t work in a full-scale self-structuring form.
Courtesy of © University of Kentucky College of Design
Project info :
Students : Adriana Torres, Anne Schwab, Bethany Long, Brian Moore, Brian Oldiges, Darcy Osting, David Dudley, Jaime Lam, Jeff Guiducci, Madelynn Ringo, & Taisa Sehic
School : University of Kentucky College of Design
Professors : Mike McKay
Year : 2012
Fabrication Team : Aaron Fritsch, Ben Kolder, Christian Newman, Ben
Photos : Magnus Lindqvist / GLINTstudios.com
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.