Philip Beesley and Will Elsworthy’s Implant Matrix [http://www.philipbeesleyarchitect. com/sculptures/0610implant_matrix/implant.html] is an interactive sculptural installation currently on exhibition in Toronto. The piece uses purpose programmed micro-controlled sensors and actuators that provide a mechanical response to user stimuli. Arrays of shape memory alloy (SMA or “muscle wire”) driven pores open and close as people touch sensors that are suspended from the matrix. Despite being digitally manufactured of acrylic and mylar, the piece becomes an organic, living entity.

From the gallery text:

Implant Matrix Interaccess Gallery June 1-29, 2006

Philip Beesley and Will Elsworthy with Robert Gorbet and Steven Wood

Implant Matrix is an interactive geotextile that could be used for reinforcing landscapes and buildings of the future. The matrix is capable of mechanical empathy. A network of mechanisms react to human occupants as erotic prey. The structure responds to human presence with subtle grasping and sucking motions, ingesting organic materials and incorporating them into a new hybrid entity.

Implant Matrix is composed of interlinking filtering 'pores' within a lightweight structural system. Primitive interactive systems employ capacitance sensors, shape-memory alloy wire actuators and distributed microprocessors. The matrix is fabricated by laser cutting direct from digital models. The project is supported by the Daniel Langlois Foundation for Art, Science and Technology, the Ontario Arts Council and the University of Waterloo School of Architecture.

Assistant Designers: Eric Bury Liana Bresler Miriam Ho Desmond Shum

Philip Beesley is an experimental architect and artist who often collaborates with artists, performers and engineers. Textile-like 'field' installations have characterized his work in the past decade. His work has been recognized by the Prix de Rome in Architecture for Canada.

Implant Matrix: http://www.philipbeesleyarchitect.c om/sculptures/0610implant_matrix/implant.html

Other sculptural works: http://www.philipbeesleyarchitect.com/sculptures/sculptures.html

on exhibition until June 29th at InterAccess gallery: http://interaccess.org/exhibitions/index.php