THE FEDOROVIAN INSTITUTE OF IMMORTALITY

by Yuen-Wah Williams

I became interested in Federov’s theory of life without death, iI aksed if it would be possible for life forms to achieve complete Body Order and become immortal. Federov left behind a legacy of modern Cosmists who wish to realise his vision, using modern scientific methods. My proposal for the Deptford site sets out to provide a space for the Fedorovian scientists to carry out their research, a development that would become a hub of Cosmist activity in London. The Fedorovian Institute of Immortality (F.I.I.) is a tri-partitie scientific research facility which caters for the exploration of immortality for the human race. It is a tilted steel frame building with a double skinned façade, divided vertically into a base, a middle and an attic. These zones accommodate differing functions of the institute and they represent different stages of the human journey towards immortality: First, the Old Existence, where humans inevitably die. This is the basement level where the archeological ruins are preserved. Through their literal connection to the past, the ruins symbolise the mortality that the Fedorovian Scientists seek to escape and bury in the ground. This portion of the building features a morgue and laboratory spaces. Second, the Metamorphosis, where biological research is conducted. This is the densely packed middle zone. It features individual and shared lab spaces for six types of biologists, who are primarily studying cell functions and telomeres. There is a combination of individual and joint laboratories, each with ample storage for tissue samples and equipment. Third, the Rebirth, a facility for the Cosmists to come to terms with the new world they are creating. It is a therapy centre of sorts, with individual spaces for reflection and recreation, allowing the Fedorovian Scientists to visually and emotionally connect with the mysteries of immortality.