Biodegradation

Biodegradation transforms the practice of model building in architecture and urban design by replacing the sharp precise edges of cardstock with the soft, organic material of dough. The dough creates an indeterminate visual effect, where the social imaginary presented in the model slowly changes as the mould envelops the urban landscape.  Carefully positioned miniature plastic figures give the sense of a dramatic narrative unfolding as the city transforms and decays.  Over time, the mould overtakes the carefully constructed habitat of the model.

The model is built on a 1’ x 4’ shelf and is contained by an 18” high plexiglass box.  The shelf is installed well above eye level making the model viewable only from the platform of the gallery stairs or the 40” Panasonic LCD monitor mounted at eye level in the exhibition space.  The source of the monitor view comes from multiple surveillance cameras installed around the model capturing the growth of the mould in real time over the duration of the exhibition.