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A speculative material laboratory

SOFT MACHINE

Soft cast forms, measured responses, and one fixed frame for observing how material gives way.

Calibrate the specimen
A technician pours pigmented silicone into a numbered translucent mould.
Cast 05A technician pours pigmented silicone into a numbered translucent mould.
A robotic arm measures the same silicone form on a quiet bench.
Test 04A robotic arm measures the same silicone form on a quiet bench.
Soft coral forms and chrome instruments organise a public research hall.
Pavilion 03Soft coral forms and chrome instruments organise a public research hall.
A robotic arm measures the same silicone form on a quiet bench.
Test 04A robotic arm measures the same silicone form on a quiet bench.
A researcher marks compression depth beside the changed profile of the form.
Record 06A researcher marks compression depth beside the changed profile of the form.
Interactive study / fixed datum

The form changes. The datum stays.

Coral silicone organism poised on a mirror-polished chrome research plinth.
Coral silicone organism poised on a mirror-polished chrome research plinth.
Finger pressing a translucent silicone membrane as the surface stores its deformation.
Finger pressing a translucent silicone membrane as the surface stores its deformation.
The specimenThe close study

Two separate study photographs. The control changes the view; it does not simulate measured material deformation.

Two hands press a large membrane while its fixed datum remains visible.
Encounter 07Two hands press a large membrane while its fixed datum remains visible.
The released membrane returns toward its original contour with one shallow impression left.
Recovery 08The released membrane returns toward its original contour with one shallow impression left.

Image index

  1. 01 / Form
  2. 02 / Touch
  3. 03 / Pavilion
  4. 04 / Test
  5. 05 / Cast
  6. 06 / Record
  7. 07 / Encounter
  8. 08 / Recovery
Project context & references

A speculative material laboratory

Responsive matter can feel alive while remaining accountable to a research protocol.

The specimen responds. The datum stays still.

Setting
A silicone casting room, a robotic test bench, and a public material pavilion.
Value
Sensory invitation supported by repeatable evidence.
Design approach
A square specimen floats in whitespace—not in motion—with a smaller material detail below its datum.

Independent design project · Isaac Sohn · 2026