Sofia Crespo
Sofia Crespo

'Structures of Being'
2024

"Structures of Being" is an exploration and articulation of the myriad inspirations found within the practice of Antonio Gaudí and in particular Casa Batlló. Taking the form of a mapping upon the buildings facade, a series of projections took place over the period of X to Y, 2024. The intention of this work was to create an immersive experience that invites viewers to contemplate the profound beauty of natural forms and their ongoing influence on human creativity.

Drawing parallels between technological innovation and Gaudí's revolutionary architectural approach, new tools and technologies were use to respond to the natural forms, sources of inspiration, patterns and aesthetics in Casa Batlló's nature-inspired facade and internal structure (including a collaboration with the Barcelona Supercomputing Center). Utilising a detailed 3D scan of the facade, the features and topology was brought to life, allowing both visible and hidden facets of the architecture to emerge. Sources of natural inspirations and phenomena important to Gaudí further influenced the visual evolution.

The visual piece was accompanied by an original score composed by Robert M. Thomas, featuring a powerful combination of algorithmic compositions interpreted by local performers, including organist Juan de la Rubia and the Cosmos string quartet, and recorded at the Palau de la Música Catalana.

(behind the Scenes video)

(photos by Claudia Maurino, courtesy of Casa Batlló)

exhibited:

2024 Structures of Being exhibition (ES) (link)
2024 Showcase at ISE (ES) (link)
2024 Sofia Crespo x Casa Batlló: Structures of Being (ES) (link)

metadata:

year: 2024
medium: generative and simulative systems, neural networks

credits:

Music Composed by Robert M. Thomas and performed by Juan de la Rubia and Cosmos Quartet

Technical Direction: Feileacan Kirkbride / Entangled Others Studio
Technical Production: Louis Mustill / Artists & Engineers
Creative Production: Joana Seguro
VFX Supervisor: Will Young
VFX Artists: Tom Scholefield, Sky Ainsbury, Michael Tan
Crystallography: Waad AlBawardi
Generative Artificial Life Sequence: Arsiliath

Special acknowledgment to Joan Llort, Ingo Wagner, and Eduardo Moreno from the Earth Sciences Dept of the Barcelona Supercomputing Center for the ocean model outputs and visualisation

Sponsored by Integrated Systems Europe
In collaboration with Fundació Barcelona Promoció,
Palau de la Música Catalana,
and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center