The Pliable Plane

The interior surface of the Pliable Plane was crafted from textile pieces intricately stitched together, reminiscent of traditional quilt-making. Scaled up to monumental proportions, it became an immersive experience, captivating viewers through its interplay of pattern and color. Exploration of patterns led to experimentation with various color combinations, each offering a distinct experiential journey through the passage. Subtle transitions—from light to more saturated hues—elongated the path and intensified the visual effects when viewed from different entrances. Descending the stairs, the path appeared to stretch, while from above, it seemed to compress, creating a gentle illusion of shifting space. The addition of a second textile layer gave the structure a plush, voluminous presence, like a giant blanket suspended in midair. This contrast between the softness of the interior and the rigidity of the exterior invited reflection on the relationship between materiality, structure, and sensory experience.

* "The Pliable Plane” was the faculty exhibition at the UIC School of Architecture, developed collaboratively with Jennifer Meakins, Antonio Torres, Nick Rummler, and Aura Venckunaite.