Architectural Cases

A revolutionary interactive art piece, Conway's Arcade, reimagines retro arcade experiences by harnessing the power of computational systems and generative design. Presented at NeurIPS 2025 as a Google commission, this installation, crafted by SpecialGuestx, ingeniously applies the principles of cellular automata to create a physical, interactive gaming platform that utilizes algorithms to both generate content and structure the play experience.

Drawing inspiration from the foundational ideas of Conway's Game of Life, a mathematical model known for generating intricate patterns from simple rules, the project delivers an endlessly adaptable gaming system. This innovative approach allows a single, versatile hardware unit to produce countless game iterations. Rather than merely replicating classic arcade titles, the installation reinterprets familiar genres, such as those reminiscent of Space Invaders, Breakout, Flappy Bird, and Chrome Dino, through AI-driven rules and logic that dynamically adapt to player interactions.

The physical structure of the arcade is meticulously constructed from aluminum, a testament to an iterative design process that integrated hands-on fabrication with rigorous experimental evaluation. The choice of materials, precision in tolerances, and the logical assembly were all considered essential design elements that enhance the user interaction. Fabricated in Barcelona by 6punyales, the arcade's lightweight and modular design ensures effortless mobility, allowing a single individual to set up the entire installation in less than an hour.

The Conway's Arcade project showcases how design, mathematics, and player interaction can converge within a unified experiential framework, moving beyond simple emulation to present gameplay as a dynamic outcome of computational intelligence. This innovative approach not only redefines the possibilities of gaming but also serves as an inspiring example of how technology can enhance and diversify our leisure activities.

The "SSAL: Rice as Matter" project, spearheaded by designers Juwon Kim and Na Hyeon, delves into the transformative potential of surplus rice. This innovative study re-evaluates rice that is no longer fit for consumption, whether due to expiration, sales unsuitability, or as a milling byproduct, reframing its purpose from a foodstuff to a valuable raw material. The core objective is to uncover the inherent material worth of rice once its traditional use-value diminishes, thereby paving the way for sustainable applications.

This pioneering research was initiated in response to the changing role of rice within contemporary Korean society. Despite its profound cultural significance, the daily consumption of rice has seen a decline, leading to a persistent cycle of storage, redistribution, and eventual disposal. Often, rice is discarded because it fails to meet stringent grading standards, surpasses its expiration date, or the costs associated with its preservation outweigh the benefits of its reuse. The project commenced with extensive on-site investigations in collaboration with a local rice mill, involving direct observations and interviews, followed by a series of iterative material experiments.

Shifting away from its conventional perception as a dietary staple, the designers approached rice as a physical substance possessing distinct structural and tactile properties. They developed a versatile composite by blending rice with various binding agents, creating a material that can be molded and dried. A crucial discovery was the impact of particle size: larger grains impart a noticeable texture, while finely ground rice yields a smoother, more uniform finish. When combined, different particle sizes create a denser, more intricate texture, akin to the interaction between aggregate and adhesive in construction, influencing the material's strength, cohesion, and surface characteristics.

Further investigation into the material's potential involved rigorous testing of its durability, texture, and natural coloration. Post-drying, various surface treatments and eco-friendly preservatives were applied to enhance resilience, aiming to broaden its application beyond mere samples. Experiments with natural colorants, including green tea, chili powder, and different rice varieties like brown and black rice, yielded a spectrum of warm, light tones to deeper, subdued shades. The designers frequently emphasized the rice's natural coloration, preserving its inherent visual appeal.

Milled rice, particularly when finely processed, exhibited a soft ivory hue with a subtle translucence. Conversely, samples crafted from coarser grains showcased a more pronounced grain structure, contributing to richer textures and surface variations. The utilization of natural components also underscores the material's biodegradability, positioning it within a temporary lifecycle that contrasts sharply with conventional, enduring construction materials.

This project fundamentally challenges the notion of discarded rice as mere waste. Instead, it scrutinizes the circumstances under which rice loses its perceived value due to shifts in consumption patterns, inventory pressures, and disposal expenses. In such scenarios, rice often loses its original purpose and is overlooked, frequently ending up in landfills despite its cultural and ethical importance. By reintegrating discarded rice as a raw material, Juwon Kim and Na Hyeon's study meticulously documents its material capabilities, prompting a reevaluation of how value can be ascribed once familiar systems of use are disrupted.