DNAted
DNAted was a participatory installation commissioned especially for the King's Arts & Humanities Festival, in 2015 dedicated to the theme of fabrication.
The artwork produced a data-driven 3D-printed sculpture built up from and determined entirely by unique sequences of DNA. Fittingly it was installed on the site where X-ray studies of the structure of DNA were carried out by Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin. The installation was led by studio INTEGRATE, members of Makerversity, a pioneering co-working space for maker businesses based in Somerset House, in collaboration with Brian Sutton, Professor of Molecular Biophysics at King's College London.
Visitors to the DNAted could leave their unique mark on a data-driven 3D-printed sculpture by creating a new piece of DNA (RNA) as part of the installation. The generated piece of DNA was based on a written code that produced and stored the DNA of the sculpture, so over the course of the installation the sculpture was completed by the public. The more people took part, the bigger and more impressive the installation became. At the end of the period we recorded the DNA of a newly created creature, which was displayed alongside of the sculpture.
The project not only took inspiration from the location, but also from the growing medium of data-driven design. Coupled with this, the 3D printer represented the ubiquitous manifestation of ‘Digital Fabrication’ but its application and potential are not well understood. The DNAted aimed to engage the public and simultaneously demystified new technologies, big data and the building blocks of all human beings. Audience members said:
“Great fun and a great way of learning and think more about DNA, architecture, 3D printing and many possibilities.” – King's staff member
“Fascinating and educational, I had difficulty understanding the concept until I saw the installation.” – King's student
“Very interesting and informative. A nice way of visualising a complex concept.” – Member of the general public
“Great way to see how creative thinking can be applied to science.” – King's staff member
About studio INTEGRATE
Studio INTEGRATE is an architecture, design and research studio based in London and Sydney. It was founded by Mehran Gharleghi and Amin Sadeghy in 2011. INTEGRTATE is interested in designing new spaces and artefacts through a new methodology that integrates aesthetics, culture and performance. They consider the human sense of beauty and comfort as the most imperative element that forms space and employ new sophisticated design and analysis tools along with rigorous physical material studies to synthesise design and performance, establishing new relationships with the built environment and ultimately leading to novel spatial experiences.
About Makerversity
Makerversity started as a disused and derelict 3000 square meter space in the lower floors of Somerset House, which was then transformed into a vibrant creative home for over 60 businesses. Makerversity have developed a thriving and diverse community of the best makers by providing affordable work space, tools and cutting edge workshop facilities to their member businesses as well as opportunities for collaborations, projects, investment and funding. They host a vibrant events programme of talks, tours and hands-on workshops with partners such as the V&A and British Council, as well as learning programmes for young people. They also host retail spaces for the latest products made by their members. Go to makerversity.org for more information.
About the Arts & Humanities Festival
The Arts & Humanities Festival is an annual event which celebrates and disseminates the work going on across the Faculty of Arts & Humanities at King’s College London. The festival is an opportunity for collaboration between departments, across the College, and with external partners. It is a showcase of academic excellence with an emphasis on practical application and public engagement. The theme for this year’s festival is ‘fabrication’. The festival is organised by the Arts & Humanities Research Institute and takes place at the Strand Campus. Most events and installations are free and all are open to the public. See the Arts & Humanities Festival programme here.