selgascano constructs casa A, an adaptable prototype for a future dwelling

selgascano constructs casa A, an adaptable prototype for a future dwelling
image © designboom

for the occasion of the inaugural chicago architecture biennial, spanish studio selgascano and helloeverything has created a prototype of a dwelling for the ‘full scale houses’ exhibition. set within one of the historic rooms of the chicago cultural center, ‘casa A’ is an interplay of color, light and texture, where the installation’s form aims to adapt to a range of climates and conditions.

using interchangeable panels, the structure is meant to be adaptable to different climatic conditions
image © designboom

constructed with a mobile ability, the project exemplifies ‘two parallel veins of design research’. the architects have produced the scheme as a low-cost structural system and as a generator of material climates through a series of elevated bays. the tubular structure is clad in interchangeable panels of different color and textures, which enable the dwelling to be easily transported and adapt to an array of atmospheric conditions. this self-operable dwelling investigates the boundaries between construction, materiality and in turn, envisions new configurations of flexible housing for the future.

see designboom’s ongoing coverage of the event of the chicago architecture biennial here.

casa A is formed as a series of elevated bays
image © designboom

the installation explores of color, light and texture
image © designboom

the structure can be easily transported with embedded motion control
image © designboom

it is self-operable but can also be tethered to its existing conditions
image © designboom

the installation is set within the halls of the chicago cultural center
image © designboom

the chicago architecture biennial provides a platform for groundbreaking architectural projects and spatial experiments that demonstrate how creativity and innovation can radically transform our lived experience.

the inaugural chicago architecture biennial, north america’s largest international survey of contemporary architecture, launched in october 2015. through its constellation of exhibitions, full-scale installations, and program of events, the biennial invites the public to engage with and think about architecture in new and unexpected ways, and to take part in a global discussion about the future of the field.

the chicago architecture biennial is the vision of mayor rahm emanuel for a major international architectural event and an outcome of the comprehensive cultural plan developed by chicago’s department of cultural affairs and special events. it is presented through the support of BP, and in partnership with the city of chicago and the graham foundation for advanced studies in the fine arts.

the chicago architecture biennial remains open to the public until january 3, 2015.