Kunsthaus Graz (1999–2003), a project for the new museum of modern art in the Austrian city of Graz, designed by Colin Fournier (Partner in Charge) and Peter Cook. Kunsthaus Graz aimed to innovate three areas of architectural design: (1) Creative/provocative engagement with cultural/urban context. (2) Museum design, display techniques and operation: research into the operational philosophy of contemporary museums led to a radical proposal, using new media, flexibility, ephemerality and a less 'institutional' approach to the organization of museum space. (3) New materials, design and manufacturing techniques: the use of a translucent double-curved acrylic surface as the overall envelope required extensive research/experimentation in the use of alternative computer design methods, structural solutions, materials and CAD-CAM manufacturing techniques. Contexts: Kunsthaus Graz moves beyond other contemporary examples of 'biomorphic' architecture, such as Future Systems, Sainsbury Store, Manchester, by exploring the organic surface not only as iconic form but as a new type of 'intelligent' skin capable of displaying information and relating interactively with users. Methods: Kunsthaus Graz develops its research propositions through specifically architectural practice-led processes, namely: (1) A contextual urban approach to ensure the design is perceived as an integral part of the urban fabric, although its form/materiality are in sharp contrast with the surroundings. (2) The search for an innovative, 'organic' form, involving sophisticated geometric analyses in close coordination with structural engineers, evolving towards a 'paperless' design office where the project's concept was manifested via digital 3D data sets, materialized via computer-driven manufacturing processes. (3) A process of continuous testing of new design solutions with respect to the client's programmatic requirements, fire/safety and other regulations, to ensure minimum compromise of the original design concept.