Sundown Salon #14: Showdown! - ELENA MANFERDINI

Tailors for centuries have been solving the problem of constructing complex curved geometry with simple flat material. 3Clad Cuts2 is a research on innovative techniques for architectural components and a case study for facade systems. The garments are digitally produced and assembled though different typologies of laser cut textiles to create a built shelter for the body. The collection explores the sensuality associated with revealing and concealing the body and engages the problem of creating openings on a complex surface. Clothing becomes a tool to introduce creativity, effect and taste in the mass culture of building standards.

BIO: Elena Manferdini is the principal of Atelier Manferdini, an architectural office that specialize in the cutting edge of computer-aided design of exotic forms. Because of her combination of degrees in engineering and architecture, Elena Manferdini1s practice applies construction and manufacturing technologies from the aeronautic and car industry to the field of architecture, object design and fashion. Her work has been exhibited internationally in both architecture and art museums: Furniture Fair in Milan 3Foodesign2 (Triennale - Italy, 2004), Venice Architectural Biennale, "Next" (Venetian Pavilion - Italy, 2002); Biennale of Young Mediterranean Artists, "Chaos & Communication" (Sarajevo - Ex Yugoslavia, 2001); Armand Hammer Museum, "Living Dangerously Exhibition" (Los Angeles - USA, 2000); Venice Architectural Biennale, "Less Aesthetic, More Ethic" (US Pavilion - Italy, 2000). Her designs have received numerous awards: MAK residency at the Schindler House (Los Angeles, 2004); Iceberg Award for Industrial Design (Italy, 2000); American Institute of Architects Award (USA, 2000 and 1999). Elena Manferdini has also written and lectured on architectural design and theory. She is currently teaching at the Southern California Institute of Architecture and she has previously tough at UCLA (Design Dept. and Physics Dept.).

CREDITS: 3CLAD-CUTS2 Spring Summer 2005 by Atelier Manferdini; Clothing Design: Elena Manferdini; Photography: Deborah Bird; Production team: Elena Manferdini, Chikara Inamura, Paola Vezzulli, Welfrey Miranda, Paola Amodeo, Joyce Hu