X Phylum / Catastrophe Machine

This publication presents two projects by Karl Chu, X Phylum and the Catastrophe Machine, that both concern the architectural visualization of non-linear geometry. With X Phylum, Chu was one of the first architects to harness the power of digital technology in order to explore the potential of spline modelling. The Catastrophe Machine, by contrast, generates similarly complex geometry in an analog way. As part of a multiyear project that includes three exhibitions on twenty-five seminal projects, the CCA and Greg Lynn are publishing a series of digital publications recording conversations with key architects. The epubs are heavily illustrated with photos, drawings, renderings, videos, PDFs and interactive 3D models.