Robotic Model, Greg Lynn
Greg Lynn presented "RV Prototype," a robotic model as part of the "Future Primitives" exhibition program at the Interieur Design Biennale 2012, held in Kortrijk, Belgium from October 20-28, 2012.The installation was linked by the theme Future Primitives offering different investigations of which essential elements played a role in our future living environment.
Because of contemporary digital communication, entertainment and the intelligent control of machines, the world expects more from the physical environment today. Mobility and high performance must be calibrated with reduction in footprint and efficiency. The bespoke comfort of a one-of-a-kind specified automobile is merging with the living room couch and television where everyplace aspires to be a first class flat bed seat with colour temperature and intensity controlled lighting, internet access and entertainment on-demand.
In order to move, robotic motion from industry is brought to motion types germane to reclining furniture. However, in the case of the mechanical or robotic reclining lounge chair, by placing all of the leisure functions at arms’ reach from a stationary seat the activities of living and the occupant’s musculature tend to contract to a stationary point. Despite the action and dynamism of the minivan lifestyle replete with sport, design and professionalism, most equate the recliner with sedentary consumption.
The RV Prototype brings intelligent movement and compact comfort to the living space as an alternative to over-inflated ‘McMansions’ by reducing footprint and material while also bringing the enthusiasm and activity of theme park, a hamster ball, an exercise machine, a natural landscape or sporting equipment to the human living sphere.
The living space does not move around you to make you comfortable, but instead you are rolled and must climb, tumble, traverse and spelunk across the ergonomic surface like a mountain goat, a Pilates disciple, a Parkour Tracuer or wannabe Spiderman. Instead of a baronial interior of luxury materials, in order to be movable, the materials and construction methods of the RV Prototype replace masonry and steel with lightweight, high strength cloth bonded to either a wood or cork core. To be affordable and responsible the 60m2 living space is distributed across the surface of the interior rather than just across the floor; thereby reducing the literal and energy footprint.
Intelligent Environments
Because of contemporary digital communication, entertainment and the intelligent control of machines, the world expects more from the physical environment today. Adaptation, intelligence, personalisation, bespoke manufacture, home delivery via fulfillment centers, targeted marketing, on-demand entertainment, personalised fast food ordered from secret menus, are the modes of desire and fulfillment that move us through the world. Myriad forms of intelligence have penetrated screens, print, transportation, appliances and even furniture as we are immersed in an environment that knows who we are, what we want and can therefore respond to our needs and desires at their formation.
Reduced Footprint
By living on the walls, floor and ceiling, the volume and material of the living environment is reduced and used in a more high performance manner. Through rotation, the 60m2 living environment is thought as a wrap-around surface rather than as a platform. Like in a NASA capsule or a space station the ergonomic surfaces are not limited to the floor. The ability to rotate the living environment in response to the weather, daylight and temperature also optimizes environmental quality.
