is a design firm that extends the most current technologies in software and hardware to create the next generation of building structures.
Proxy's Stabile Center at the Columbia School of Journalism a collaboration with Marble Fairbanks.
Proxy is an innovation-focused design firm that works across a range of scales and platforms.
We co-evolve architecture and software to massively expand the information and intelligence they embody. With precise tools and flexible systems, we are designing spaces and objects that are built in innovative ways, are highly performative and environmentally responsible.
Design is Search
Proxy develops and extends sophisticated architectural tools to conceive of design as a search. Designing "options" in parallel is nothing new, but by innovating flexible tools for design, we are able to massively expand the information being considered and generated. This enriches the design process and provides valuable feedback and contingency. With computation, we consider an incredible number of variations and options. We actively search through a space of possibilities to find unique solutions.Space Planning with Algorithmic Tools
Sustainability
The next generation of structures will find new ways to co-evolve with the environment. Proxy believes that energy is crucial to our understanding of the material world. We create buildings and products that establish positive, reciprocal relationships with the environment. Proxy integrates sustainability directly into the tools we use to design, with a focus towards energy efficiency, intelligent systems and solar design.
Environmental modeling for solar design.
New Construction Methods
NYU Advanced Media Studio
Computer controlled (CNC) fabrication and digital design methods have allowed Proxy to participate in a revolution in the way we make things. This large step in construction technology allows us to make rich objects, non-standard structures and buildings that are highly adapted to their environments. Proxy develops architecture with an unprecedented agency to prototype, test and build.
Visit the Proxy YouTube Channnel
Join the Proxy mailing list - we send infrequent emails on interesting opportunities and events to our extended network.
iPhone
In parallel with its design activities, Proxy has developed software for the iPhone. Proxy believes that architects and designers can enrich their work by incorporating new hardware and software platforms. Visit the iPhone page to see applications developed by Proxy.Proxy Log
Proxy publishes a yearly journal of design - a loose collection of process sketches, photos and renderings. The book is generated algorithmically from a design database. Visit the Proxy Log Database to purchase the book. 2009 available now. 153 pages, 6" x 9" $20.20 at lulu.com.Research
Relationship modeling, for planning and decision support
We are committed to research and development of architectural technology. Proxy has worked to develop software, building systems and design methods that leverage new technology and provide innovative solutions.Visit the research page for more information.
Teaching
Mark Collins and Toru Hasegawa have led graduate-level seminars and research in computation and construction. These courses are ongoing and utilize Proxy's wiki. Mark and Toru together direct the Columbia University Cloud Lab, a research-based laboratory that explores the design of our environment through emerging technologies in computing, interface and device culture.Visit the GSAPP Clould Lab
Visit the Proxy Wiki
Coursework from Computing Kaizen, Columbia University advanced design studio. Play with interactive toys produced by the studio here..