Students began by individually studying and diagramming precedent caryatids, focusing on their geometries, proportions, and functions. This deepened their understanding of these ancient architectural elements. Next, they manipulated their systems into collages, expressing their vision of modern caryatids incorporating assigned mechanical systems.
Then as a team of five, pairs of students collaborated to create three hybrid systems, which were then integrated to form the final system (Caryatid 09). This project combined historical insight with contemporary design through descriptive geometries and annotations.
We investigate control systems within cyclical dynamics, focusing on the tension between fluidity and rigidity. The caryatid embodies this duality—luxury and oppression—and reflects how societal expectations, especially toward women, condition the body and mind. While environmental conditioning is a modern luxury, social conditioning limits individuality through inherited cycles. Our work challenges these ideals, rethinking beauty and striving to break the mold.