NONPRACTICA

Personal Info

Name: Brandon Hing

Nationality: American

Institution / Company: University of Southern California

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandonh.arch/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hing-655125214/

-HONOURABLE MENTION of Non Architecture Award Competition | Category: Architecture

Since its beginning, the term automation has been assessed by efficiency. Its proliferation into everyday technology, while infinitely improving, has resulted in the optimization of our daily lives. While its original objective focuses on productivity, NONPRACTICA poses another use for automation, prioritizing experience over efficiency. The proposal is a temporary steel structure where the architecture is animated by a series of robots. The contrast between the building’s small footprint and the machine causes the structure to feel over-engineered, to the point of impracticality. NONPRACTICA is constantly changing; carts on framed rails above the audience snake from one edge of the structure to the other, while robotic hands move sporadically to perform simple tasks. While these processes are often convoluted, the viewing of each movement provides entertainment, the ultimate pleasure from anticipation of what will unfold next. This dialogue between human and machine offers a whimsical and at times, surreal experience. Interactions create a playful atmosphere, comparable to the Rube Goldberg Machine, although functioning freely and autonomously. 

The structure’s program as a book market allows a specific narrative to develop in the modular space. The juxtaposition between physical books and robotic technology becomes a metaphor for the building. While eBooks can provide efficiency, they may not replace the experience of turning physical pages and the weight of the book. In our modern era, Architecture is often awarded for its functionality down to its basic form. Rarely do we consider how the opposite can provide fun, unique, and provocative experiences. 

Project Type: Temporary Structure – Book Market

Jury Comments

– Samuel Gonçalves

An alternative view on technology, pictured through some beautiful and repeatable structures, creating inviting and dreamy spaces.