Artwork Description: The Cluster housing project, with its array of high-rise capsules introduces an unconventional form to the city of Calgary, challenging the way we see community living. Inspired by the capsule form of Metabolism, this project provides a more environmentally friendly suburban concept, expanding home living vertically to accommodate more families while lessening land use but still providing a front lawn/park enviroment through its "second street" on the main residential floor. Curved forms, communal spaces, and overlapping environments ensure a sense of community and togetherness within The Cluster.

Artist's Bio:  Victoria Maria Zaba is a Polish Canadian third year university student who has a deep fascination with realism and classical art and architecture. Zaba is currently completing a combined degree with Visual Studies and Greek and Roman Studies along with a minor in architecture. Her passion for art was heavily influenced by her mother, who painted with oils herself and brought her to many museums regularly, both in Canada and Poland as a child. As an architecture student, Zaba has grown a particular intertest in the Metabolist movement from 1960s Japan. The concepts of these Metabolist architects, specifically Kisho Kurokawa’s work, has influenced the forms and philosophies of her designs. 

Artist's statement: In my younger and more vulnerable years, my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. "Whenever you feel like criticizing anyone," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." He didn't say any more but we've always been unusually communicative in a reserved way, and I understood that he meant a great deal more than that. In consequence, I'm inclined to reserve all judgments, a habit that has opened up many curious natures to me.

Artist's contact info: vikusiazaba@gmail.com