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Deep Surfaces

Articulation and Fabrication of Spatial Systems from Tensioned Fabric Elements

With the aid of efficient solvers for force-active structures, the design of tensile membrane systems can move towards the creation of complex multi-layered, interconnected assemblies defining both localized volumetric conditions, and global multi-dimensional deep surfaces. In this cluster, it is intended to design and fabricate such intricate spatial assemblies through the use of force-simulation algorithms in Processing, and deduction of fabrication information in GC. To instrumentalize the use of tensioned fabrics in the making of complex forms, the flow of structural force will be closely examined. In Processing, the design of the overall form shall occur through the constant editing and re-calibration of tension-force characteristics. A structural computational mesh will then be translated into a series of stitched, pre-tensioned fabric patches. The force values, from the spring-based model in Processing, shall be read to provide the necessary structural information regarding the degree of pre-tensioning required for fabrication of the prototype. The prototyping process will take advantage of automated methods for the marking and cutting of fabric elements. Analysis of variable stitching methods shall be done to determine the proper stiffness in the sewn edges between fabric patches. The assembled structure will occupy a space of approximately 2m x 2m x 2m.
Professor Achim Menges is an architect and director of the Institute for Computational Design at Stuttgart University. Currently he also is Visiting Professor in Architecture at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design and Visiting Professor for the Emergent Technologies and Design Graduate Program at the Architectural Association in London. Achim Menges' research focuses on the development of integral design processes at the intersection of evolutionary computation, algorithmic design, biomimetic engineering and computer aided manufacturing that enables a highly articulated, performative built environment. His research projects have been published and exhibited worldwide and received numerous international awards.
Sean Ahlquist is a Research Associate and PhD Candidate at the Institute for Computational Design at Stuttgart University. He holds a Masters in Architecture from the Emergent Design and Technologies Program at the AA in London. Prior to attending the AA, Sean founded the firm, Proces2, in San Francisco, while also teaching at the University of California Berkeley and California College of the Arts. Sean’s current research is examining the combined use of deterministic and non-linear methods in evolutionary computation to realize feedback-oriented generative processes for multi-objective design, utilizing increased levels of specificity in material, structural and performance-based behaviors.
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