June 2017

122 BUILD / June 2017 , Architectural Innovators ORTLOS Space Engineering is an immersive spaces design studio, which is developing innovative environments as a new channel for engaging with communities, reaching end-users, and build spatial experiences. Our main design competence is translating 21 century technologies into spatial systems and strategies—packing the ideas and visions into architecture. With our strong commitment to working online, ORTLOS has focused on expanding classical architectural tasks by simulating virtual environments to be applied to future realities and by using cutting-edge computer technologies. Our work has been published and exhibited worldwide, including at the Venice Biennale. As for organisational typology ORTLOS is more like (virtual) Andy Warhol’s ‘The Factory’, then as a classical architectural office. Concept-wise we see it as a kind of matrix, an infinite, constantly changeable field of the creative entries of those who shape it. From a certain size on, the constructs show the first signs of self-organisation. And, so it has been with ORTLOS right from the beginning. It makes you gradually sink into a world whose laws correspond to a different logic. ORTLOS is an instrument for the nomadic working methods. Because of that we offer a huge diversity and variety of products and services provided to our clients. When undertaking a new client or project what approach do you use to ensure the best possible outcome? ‘Form follows feedback’ is a term coined by William Mitchell. We apply it to so called ‘performative architecture’. The architecture nowadays became complex network of interconnected dependencies and the recent discussion of formal or functional issues thrives to be obsolete. With other words, more important than functional or formal aspect is the performative one. Like in automotive industry, if you want the perfect form for your new car just bring it into the wind tunnel and change the design according to simulation results. This is of course simplified, but we need to figure out what the doing does - to us, to the environment, to the planet. The prosperity, the people and the planet need to be in balance. We need to understand that our build environment has a huge impact to the sustainability of the world. So, the feedback we get from the simulations and evaluations we need to loop back into the system. The feedback feeds the design process. The design process happens in trans-disciplinary teams. However, this should not be mixed with concepts of participations from 70’s, where everybody does everything. We are talking here about teams of experts which of course include users but only in a specific role, as a team member. Such trans-disciplinary teams would include architects, urban planner, environmentalists, engineers, but also philosophers, sociologists, artists, politicians, and others. Another topic we draw from the ‘form follows feedback’ principle is so called ‘on-demand spaces’. I think that we have adapted enough ourselves to the architectural spaces and environments. The time has come that spaces adapt to ourselves - on demand - as we need them. Through modern technologies and advanced IT it is already possible to do so and in the future, will be even more. What sets you apart from other companies in this industry? What marks you out as the best option for your clients? Many problems today need more than one kind of knowledge to solve them. People with different training have difficulty communicating to each other and they are trying to achieve different things. The identified problem is the implementation of knowledge from different disciplines in creative process and how to enable the emergence of innovation within collaborative environment. There are insufficient implementation examples in working practice. We are working more than 17 years now on these issues. By using the cutting-edge technology, we are applying different algorithms - instruction of proceedings - how the design process has been conceived, planned and executed. For our clients, we are delivering the optimal solutions in which we skilfully merge functional requirements, advanced technology and performative form of various spatial environments. In design process, we are introducing forms of knowledge production that embrace imagination and vision to create added value for our clients. How does it feel to be part of the 2017 Architectural Innovation Awards? We feel of course very honoured, but it is also a great recognition of our consequent contribution to the innovation in architecture. The path we took 17 years ago was not always easy and very often a real struggle. However, when you receive a feedback like this, and especially a positive response by our clients, then such events create a momentum with a new and positive energy for the future endeavours and makes every effort easy and fun. Besides the obvious promotion of our work it is a good opportunity for further discussions with new potential clients. What are your overall aims and what strategies do you employ to achieve these? Clearly the sensitivity to 1705BU11