Stuart Weitzman School of Design
102 Meyerson Hall
210 South 34th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19104
Charged Fields: Signals and Power in Architecture
The use of metal in architecture is mainly concentrated in the skin structure. Its unique visual effect and structural rigidity are the reasons for its popularity in architectural design and construction. In addition, metal as a highly flexible material, also has countless uses in daily life. In recent years, the development and application of electromagnetic force has brought revolutionary possibilities to metal materials. So, what changes will be brought if this technology is introduced into the field of architectural design?
The tar pits of La Brea preserve the energy of ancient life forms, and Culture Lab draws inspiration from this preserved energy. In a modern reinterpretation, it inherits the concept of energy transformation and regeneration, bringing it to life through architectural experiences.
Here, human presence—expressed through sounds and actions—is transformed into energy and movement. Inside a Faraday cage, the electromagnetic effects generated by people are concentrated, while outside signals are blocked. This creates a peaceful environment where visitors can reflect on the relationship between nature, technology, and energy in a space free of external distractions.
In these “synthetic nature” experiences, people feel immersed in a cross-temporal dialogue between nature and technology, as if hearing the echoes of the spirit of the site.