Based on new technologies for adaptive building skins, Emergent Surface is a wall that continuously reconfigures itself—portions selectively disappearing and reappearing. In one condition, the piece appears as a solid surface with three-dimensional curvature. In another, it resolves itself into seven slender poles running floor to ceiling. And between these extremes lie an infinite variety of configurations.

The sculpture, designed by Hoberman Associates, utilizes the Adaptive Building Initiative's Strata™ surface as a means to transform. This commission represented a significant advance in research and development of Strata™ and was the first structure to physically demonstrate its capabilities.

Dimensions: 5.5 m by 4 m
Number of operable units: 24
Materials: Aluminum, Steel
Control System: 24 servo motors and custom control system