Artist / Designer in Residence
Application Deadline: June 15th 2025
We aim to translate our research findings into applications through design studies and artworks. The goal of the residency is to explore new ways in which to apply or adapt our research results for creative expression. Specifically, we aim to collaboratively create an art piece or design prototype that will be exhibited and publicized in appropriate venues. The residency at GCM can last for up to three months during the fall 2025.
Research conducted at GCM explores the interface of geometry, computation, and making. The scope of the project can be broad, but should be related to our scientific work. Please refer to our Research page and our Art & Design page for more information. We welcome project proposals that leverage our research to explore new geometric and material expressions, aiming to create a sculptural artwork or installation, or a functional application prototype. We are specifically looking for artists or designers interested in harnessing science and technological innovations in their creative work with an affinity to scientific research in geometric computing. Ideally, you should have
- expertise in computational design,
- familiarity with digital modeling tools such as Rhino/Grasshopper, Blender, etc.,
- experience in digital fabrication.
What we offer
You will have access to GCM’s latest research technology and computational design tools, as well as a fully equipped fab lab including machines for laser cutting, CNC milling, and 3D printing, standard hand tools, and various custom-built machines. In collaborating with GCM’s team, you will receive hands-on support on in-house design software and digital fabrication technology. In addition, the residency offers:
- Travel costs and support for accommodation within the Lausanne region.
- A monthly stipend/flat fee for living expenses (of CHF 1500).
- A production budget (of max. CHF 15,000).
How to Apply
Please submit the following documents combined in a zip file and send a link for download before June 30th 2025 to gcm@epfl.ch:
- A motivation letter, including a statement on how the project investigates the intersection of arts, science, and technology (maximum 700 words).
- A detailed description of the project, the stages of its development, and the final production imagined as the outcome of the residency (maximum 8 pages). Links to research at the Geometric Computing Laboratory should be highlighted.
- A draft production budget of maximum CHF 15000 and any specific material or fabrication requirements.
- A short biography, CV, and portfolio.
- Reference letters.
Past Residencies
- 2024 Josua Putzke
- Josua spend his residency with us in the spring of 2024 as part of the EPFL-CDH Artist in Residence Program Enter the Hyper-Scientific. He envisioned creating a kinetic “breathing sphere” that he coined Aetherocohedron. His artistic work is based on insights into how the duality of Platonic Solids — such as dodecahedron and icosahedron — can be realized in one object that maintains a coherent, interconnected structure throughout the transformation between states. The use of motion in his work, in turn, inspired us in our research and together we are now investigating the mathematical properties of polyhedral shapes, in line with the forms Josua introduced with his kinetic installation. For more information on his work, please visit his website.
Aetherocohedron
- 2023: Alison Martin
- Alison joined us during the spring of 2023 for our very first GCM residency for artists and designers. As a long standing collaborator of GCM, we were thrilled to have Alison with us for an extended period of time to explore many topics around geometry and making. During her residency, we completed el.ba, a sculptural exploration of minimal forms that explores how flexible beams and elastic fabric can be shaped in a delicate balance of forces. Alison also worked with us on the BamX! Quito project that has been completed in August 2023. Beyond these tangible outcomes, we enjoyed many fruitful, insightful, and joyful discussions and look forward to continuing our collaboration with Alison in the future. For more information on Alison’s work, please refer to her instagram page.