Stairway to Heaven
The studio examined new forms of iconic architecture through the creation of an automonument in London, beginning with explorations of shape and hierarchy through the utilization of Processing and ActionScript algorithmic processes.
This project challenges the notion that iconic architecture can exist as a shape or object and instead proposes a monument of exterior banality whose interior is phenomenally and experientially excessive. In this way, the experience of architecture, rather than its exterior shape, becomes the primary concern.
The building is a church, within which has an aggregate of different spaces. Each space corresponds to a specific ritual or experience of Catholicism - spaces of atonement, celebration, seclusion and remembrance. Parametric design is utilized throughout to create a language of spaces, elements, and organizations. Differentiated spaces are thus created with similar elements.
The building is organized around the belief that the path to spiritual enlightenment is neither easy nor straightforward, but requires a significant physical, mental, and spiritual effort. It rejects objectified iconic architecture and instead offers the possibility of iconic phenomenal experience.