Anamorphic Carcases is a generation of architectural artifacts using, as a medium, the polluted aquifers lining the Mojave desert. Native species population, and fresh water supplies hang unbalanced in the desert- leaving Anamorphic Carcases to create an environmental performance through the purification process. Ultimately creating a symbol of pollution and an architectural stance on effects to the ecosystem.

Using monolithic operable holding tanks and an expandable water purifying scaffolding, the filtration process excretes and diffuses deposits that grow to skeletal artifacts. The deposits are composed of minerals, salts, and harmful alkaline and creosote compounds. The “carcases” that are left behind leave memorials of waste, gaining attention across the desert.

Visually, the project reflects the impact of pollutants in the aquatic ecology of the Mojave desert; tectonically the structure evolves through an aging process – emerging latent monuments to the site. The architecture, fully assembled, forms an ambiguity and pureness to the heavily aggregated structure, bringing a dialogue of hierarchy and tectonic qualities. Revisiting progressive techniques, such as aggregation and striations, the architecture creates a spectacle in relation to natural resources and technologies. The end result varies from site to site resulting in a emergence of sub-elements grouped in structurally aggregated figurations.

Design: Daniel Caven (SCIarc post graduate ESTM program)
Advisors: Casey Rehm, Marcelo Spina

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