BMW GINA - Visionary Concept Car (Adaptation)

I recently viewed the below video showing BMW's new concept car covered by an advanced fabric rather than metal or composite materials. It stretches and adapts to a moving ekoskeleton below in a very sensual kinesthetic way. The video introduces the overall conception of the vehicle, how it adapts to different uses and modes. It is revolutionary in it's thinking and I can't wonder how the adaptive design approach could be translated into the architectural design process. These images are screen shots from the video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kTYiEkQYhWY

Do buildings need 'skins' as we understand them with siding, shingles, metal panels, glazing or could there be more of an adaptive ekoskeleton with a durable weather resistant fabric responding to different times of day, weather and seasonal conditions? See the video and let me know what you think. - Steve

Montpelier, VT City Wide Bike Sculptures

My adopted city of Montpelier in north central Vermont is hosting through October a series of wonderfully eclective bike sculptures populating our fair city's street corners, front yards, trees and sidewalks. Come see and visit them for yourself. The idea is to prompt discussion about bicycling as alternative transportation layered with artistic whimsy and eccentric wheeled vision.

Go check out the website at http://www.sculptcycle.org/

or a news story at a local TV station. http://www.wcax.com/Global/story.asp? S=8444011&nav=4QcScDEz "Bike Display Rolls into Montpelier."

or an article in my favorite local newspaper.

http://www.timesargus.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080605/NEWS02/806050362/1003/NEWS02

Steve