Anatomy and Morphology 2026/27

In this course we will delve into the world of human and biological forms, their properties and uses, how the discourse on forms became a discipline in itself and how it became a shared language entering all of cultural production – in the artistic, design and scientific disciplines.

During the course you will be introduced to the fundamental concepts of morphology and anatomy. To achieve this we will follow a historical axis, using examples from the arts, architecture, mathematics, biology, and materials science. 

A greater focus will be put on biological form, both as the result of an evolutionary process and physical constraints (morphogenesis).

Using these concepts you will complete some assignments during practical and hands-on group activities. These will include: 

Structural Skeletal Studies - We will produce a series of analytical drawings from life focusing on the underlying architecture of the human/animal bodies. The study requires a deep exploration of skeletal form, structural weight, and mechanical connections.

Vegetal Forms, Abstraction & Functional Inference - A hybrid studio-fieldwork workshop connecting physical dissection, linguistic abstraction, and generative representation. Students will translate organic matter into morphological taxonomy, test the limits of objective communication, and hypothesize ecological functions through drawing and speculative media.

Material morphogenesis & Physical form-finding - Here we will focus on structural morphology through hands-on material explorations that simulate morphogenetic processes. Rather than forcing a premeditated shape onto a passive medium, you will engage in a process of form-finding using pneumatic forces and physical constraints.

Please, bring sketching material with you (pencils, graphite, eraser, sharpener) as this will be needed for the practical activities

To successfully pass the course it is required to:

- participate in the course

- complete the assignments

- document, discuss and present your results in the group