Acting Smart: An Experimental Approach to Architecture, Performance Art and ICT

Abstract

The artistic research project which is described in this chapter, Corporeal Architecture, takes place in the context of design education, exploring the relationship between body, space and object, with a focus on embodiment. The Corporeal Architecture project proposes that the integration of performance art, neuroscience and information technology (ICT), namely AI, in architectural design have the potential to develop corporeal awareness and stimulate the creativity of future designers to address contemporary challenges. The research has connections to Smart Cities approaches while being supported by experimental work which includes technology and methodologies from ICT, psychophysiology and neuroscience. The methodology it proposes combines the somatic practices of performance art with emotion measurement tools in design education and encourages the active creative participation of students in the design, fabrication and performance with body extensions, body restrictions, pieces of furniture and installations. Integration of performance art in the teaching curriculum of architectural design aims to make students aware of their own body as a way to develop techniques to design from a holistic, inclusive and experiential stance, with particular attention to health and well-being. The performances are documented on camera and film and constitute the archive of the platform Corporeal Architecture to be found at corporeal.persona.co and at the YouTube Channel Corporeal Architecture.