Reassessing architectural design as an interpretational and transformational process of the ubiquitous information streams of the natural environment was the motivation and attraction of this specific design investigation. As for the means of such an exploration variety of media, techniques and series of processes were used. Especially, the focus was on the emerging computational technologies of generative & parametric design. The theme of the project was the design of a transient free form envelope, rationalized as a temporary small-scale pavilion, for the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

First, we sampled luminance information from various sculptural artifacts hosted inside the museum. Our intention was to create abstract image of sculptures for the entrance walkway/pavilion.

Using these light information data for feeding a multilayered mechanism of transformational and filtering methods, inspired by the functionally of the human perceptual system of vision, we investigated a range of possible reinterpretations and generations of formal expressions.

The process we followed was composed of two simultaneous approaches of interpretation and generation. The one was a translation of the collected information into a general form that would guide our macroscopic level of design. The other was a translation of the same information into a localized form that by reacting on the microscopic scale that would be able to define our detailing conditions.

The incorporation of computer assisted design methods: parametric design tools (associative geometries of the CATIA environment) and generative design systems (user-level application development inside the Rhino environment) were rather inevitable since the complexity of the specified mechanics we described.

For testing, evaluating and refining the results of our experimentations, we used techniques of rapid prototyping as for example 3D printing, molding and laser cutting. By these means we also clarified and resolved the methods of fabrication of such complex freeform envelope with complex attributes.

What is significant and important about this design exercise was the generation of potential architectural products that would not have been able to be conceived and implemented otherwise. By using systematic and explorative approach to design using emerging technologies and ideas, we were able to interpret the intrinsic spatial properties of the relationship between the human sensory and the environmental forces.