04 Apr 2014

Decoding Fluxus Prefab System

Fluxus As Architecture Series:

DECODING FLUXUS PREFAB SYSTEM

April 4th – May 24th, 2014

Fluxus Foundation is pleased to announce Fluxus As Architecture Series: DECODING FLUXUS PREFAB SYSTEM in the foundation exhibition space at 454 W 19th St., New York, NY, 10011.

The exhibition will introduce an alternative reading of Fluxus Prefab System through original design and copyright documents by George Maciunas, as well as a series of new analytical drawings and diagrams of assessment. The exhibition, for the first time, presents to the public a comprehensive decoding of the system from the perspectives of both historical context and technical dissections.

Maciunas' groundbreaking invention is distinguished from all other prefab system, as a prefabricated smart system embedded with logistic networks, recycling flows and efficient use of resources by providing a network of intercommunicating passages built into the hollow structural components. In addition, Maciunas' revolutionary foresight lies in his utilization of plastics over concrete by taking advantages of plastics' high strength-to-weight ratio, great design flexibility, insulating properties and recyclability, which take into account all the environmental, economic and social impacts in prefabricated building design.

The exhibition also underlines the system's potential applications in the context of the current socio-economic trends, which will be explored in relation to researches of sustainable building with plastics, the future of manufacturing (3-D printing), Building Information Modeling, smart city, new system for Home Energy Storage, The Internet of Everything for Cities among others.

Fluxus Prefab System enables an adaptive urban model for need based growth through mass-production in factory and customization with resources optimization. It becomes increasingly relevant and will thrive with the emergence of technological innovations and global awareness of sustainability.

On view: two original copyright registration documents, one for pamphlet Communists Must Give Revolutionary Leadership in Culture by George Maciunas and Henry Flynt, one for George Maciunas' design of MACIUNAS PREFABRCATED BUILDING SYSTEM, appearing as Appendix 2 in the pamphlet (1965), original edition of George Maciunas' assessment of SOVIET PREFABRICATED BUILDING SYSTEM appearing as Appendix 1 in the pamphlet (1965); a 1:10 scale architectural model for Fluxshouse (1965/2008) as an atypical 1,900 sq ft design, utilizing Fluxus Prefab System; 3-page essay by George Maciunas: The grand frauds of architecture (1964); 2 video installations of Decoding Fluxus Prefab System (2014), regarding its historical context and technical assessment respectively; infographics of Decoding Fluxus Prefab System (2014), visualizing and positioning the system at various scales ranging from component to architecture to eco-system.

Fluxus As Architecture Series is curated by Harry Stendhal, Chairman of Fluxus Foundation, New York, and Fanyu Lin, Master of Science in Advanced Architectural Design, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation in Columbia University.

Special thanks to Zhenning Fang, international curator and critic and Scott Weinkle Architect.

The exhibition is on display from April 4th – May 24th, 2014. Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 11am – 5pm, and by appointment. Contact: info@fluxusfoundation.com | 212-675-4392 | 454 W 19th St. New York, NY 10011.