It is in projects like Sartorial Tectonics that the everyday observer can begin to see the relationship between fashion design and architecture. Such is a theory that can be considered with respect to all buildings, but particularly with this one on Wooster Street in Soho, New York.
Through his participation at Andrew Saunder's seminar at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Davide Scialo was inspired to contemplate the act of simply "dressing" a structure versus "dressing it up." Instead of installing conventional cladding to the exterior of the five-story brick edifice, the designer applied gelatinous-looking panels to create a gooey undulating texture.
It seems as though the facade of the Issey Miyake Pleats Please store has turned to liquid, forming wobbly and weighty clumps as it approaches street level. But no matter how you interpret Sartorial Tectonics, Scialo certainly succeeded to produce a remarkably engaging project.
Goopy Urban Exteriors
Sartorial Tectonics Aims to Engage Passers-by with an Engrossing Facade
Trend Themes
1. Fashion-architecture Fusion - Opportunity for designers to blur the line between fashion and architecture through innovative projects like Sartorial Tectonics.
2. Alternative Cladding Materials - Growing demand for unconventional materials like gelatinous-looking panels as a means of creating unique building exteriors.
3. Engaging Facades - Trend towards facades that capture the attention of passers-by and create an immersive experience for visitors.
Industry Implications
1. Fashion - Opportunity for fashion designers to explore new avenues of expression through architecture and building design.
2. Architecture - Opportunity for architects to push the boundaries of traditional building design and explore innovative materials and techniques.
3. Construction - Growing demand for unique and engaging building exteriors creates opportunities for construction companies to specialize in unconventional cladding materials and installation techniques.