METABOLIC WEAVE
METABOLIC WEAVE
Theoretical Context “(Gotfried) Semper recognised and exploited architecture’s material limitation, the origin of its formal language in the arts and crafts, textiles,ceramics, metal works, carpentry and the oldest stone construction” Wilhelm Dilthey, 1924
Semper’s theory of metabolism identified that architecture could be rationally reducible to materials and the processes associated with their uses.
s_e1_Pliable s_e2_Clay (Mouldable) s_e3_Stick like elements s_e4_Dense
From it he identified 4 basic elements of architecture.
s_e1
s_e2
s_e3
s_e4
He identified 4 abstract categories of material production techniques, each having a particular associated aesthetic style.
s_pt1
s_pt2
s_pt3
s_pt4
s_pt1_Weaving s_pt1_Forming s_pt1_Techtonic s_pt1_Stereotomy
METABOLIC WEAVE
Ambition
Can the morphology of thin ply wood strips be manipulated with reference to Semper’s production techniques to achieve multiple material conditions and aesthetic effects? Metabolic Weave is an investigation into the form finding capacity of woven doubly curving 3mm plywood strips, their assemblage capability, and the expressive potential of their interaction. The project’s intention is to study the capacity for a considered assemblage to create multiple conditions of experience and effect the perception of material and light. The project is based on a process of invention, understood as a continuous process without a single predetermined outcome, always suspended between discovery and obsolescence.
METABOLIC WEAVE
Precedent
Using case studies within the field of architecture a process of recreating, adapting and prototyping was used to develop a new direction for a project.
Weave Timber Weave Yves Weinand (IBOIS | EPFL | Lausanne) In the project Timber Weave, the torsive resistance of strip morphologies and the cross connecting of structural members produce opportunities for enclosure and light, and structure that reacts to differing loads. The base unit, two twisted trips with perpendicular supports can be repeated in a staggered pattern to create an arch type geometry.
Adjustment Meta-Patch Joseph Kellner, David Newton It involves the creation of a material system consisting of uniform elements that can be employed to achieve variable yet stable configurations. Complex curvature is created through a high number of local variations. Potential lay in the exploration of identical mass produced objects that can be manipulated to produce intended difference and repetition.
METABOLIC WEAVE
EyeLet System
25mm
50mm
The prototypical exploration brought the project to the “EyeLet”, an interwoven and braced unit of 3mm plywood with a two tone colour finish.
25mm
50mm
75mm
100mm
75mm
100mm
The developed unit has the capacity to open up, expand in depth, as well as scissor to shift position.
25o
45o
60o
75o
METABOLIC WEAVE
Eyelet System
Two units exist, distinguished by their weave combination, EL_A / EL_B, provide the opportunity for an accurate lap joint connection between them, as well as visually allowing the woven strip to transfer from one unit to the other.
EL_A
2 x 1/8” 25mm nut + bolt
2 x 1/8” 12mm
2 x 1/8” 25mm
2 x 1/8” 12mm
EL_A1
EL_A2 EL_A1
EL_A2
sequence of adjustment bar attachment
2 x 1/8” 12mm nut + bolt
A_C4
A_C3
EL_A A_C1
A_C2
The EyeLet system was born from a process of prototype exploration each concerned with a particular aspect of the system, be it weaving, connection, adjustment or transition.
EL_B
2 x 1/8” 25mm nut + bolt
2 x 1/8” 12mm
2 x 1/8” 25mm
2 x 1/8” 12mm
EL_B1
EL_B2 EL_B1
EL_B2
B_C4
B_C3
EL_B B_C1
B_C2
METABOLIC WEAVE
Tectonic Connection P01 01_1
EL_B
01_2
01_3
EL_A
01_4
5/32� 38mm Copper Nut / Bolt
01_5
50mm diameter laser cut Acrylic disk
01_6
01
METABOLIC WEAVE
Stereotomy Stacking P02 EL_A
02_1
EL_A
02_2
02_1 = Cardboard Explorations 02_2 = Plywood Interlocking Wedges 02_3 = Acrylic Clips 02_4 = Acrylic Interlocking Wedges 02
02_3
= Interlocking Acrylic Strips
02_4
02
METABOLIC WEAVE
Transition Connection P03 EL_A
A1 A2
Hardware 5/32” 38mm 1/8” 25mm
EL_A A1 A2
A1
A1
A2
A2
A1
A1
03_1
03_2
Connection Rules: A1-A2 : 1/8” 25mm A1-A2-A1-A2 : 5/32” 38mm
03_3
03
METABOLIC WEAVE
Opening Adjustment P04
04_1
04_5
04_2
04_4
04_3
04_6
04_7
04_1 = Cardboard Explorations 04_2 = Plywood strips 04_3 = Laser Cut strips 04_4 = Acrylic Strips 04_5 = Thinned out acrylic Strips 04_6 = Perforated laser cut strips 04_7 = Heat moulded acrylic strips
METABOLIC WEAVE
Eyelet Unit P05
P_01
P_02
P_03
P_04
The EyeLet unit itself was initially developed from an exploration of my chosen case studies. Whilst testing connection by digitally modelling the unit in rhino the potential for two different production types became apparent.
05_1
05_2
At the interim stage a prototype assemblage aimed to create a screen element that transferred into a stacked configuration. The prototype identified areas requiring further exploration during the second assessment, namely the connection (P01), the stacking configuration (P02), the transition (P03) and adjustment (P04).
05_3
05_4
05_5
05
05_1 = Initial Cardboard Explorations 04_2 = 20mm Plywood strips 04_3 = 30mm Plywood strips 04_4 = Interim Eyelet 04_5 = 50mm Laser Cut 04_6 = 50mm Hand Cut 2 tone ply 05 = 50mm Hand cut + stained 05_6
Initial Interim Prototype
METABOLIC WEAVE
METABOLIC WEAVE
METABOLIC WEAVE
Prototype Pavilion
P_02 P_04 2.5 angle change
Stereotomy 100mm Bar
60o
70o
50o
75mm Bar
60o
50mm Bar
40o
50o
25mm Bar
30o
40o
Stacking pattern setout
P_04
Tectonic Floor
No Bar
15o 25o
195o
P_01 P_04
Tectonic
P_03
Transition
METABOLIC WEAVE
Prototype Section P_04
Adjustment
P_02
Stereotomy
P_01
Connection c
a_ 100mm Adjust Bar b_ 75mm Adjust Bar c_ 50mm Adjust Bar d_ 25mm Adjust Bar
P_03
Transition Tectonic Floor
d d
a
a a
a a
a
b a
b b
b
c b
c c b
c
b b a a a
METABOLIC WEAVE
Fabrication
Timber Strip Components 810 mm
1220 mm
25 x 3mm Premium Plywood Sheet @ $7.50 One side stained: Cabots Interior - Walnut 400 Strips Cut on Circular Saw (16 x) 50mm x 1000mm Strips - cut against wood grain Approximate wastage = 18% ($1.35 per sheet)
25mm 50mm
450mm
450mm
25mm
1/8” x 12mm
x 376
1/8” x 25mm
x 192
5/32” x 38mm
x 40
METABOLIC WEAVE
Fabrication Laser Cut Acrylic 1:2 @ A3
x 84 x 54 x 32 x6
x 84
METABOLIC WEAVE
Pavilion Development During the process of building the sectional prototype a number of structural issues arose. Within the stacked stereotomy, the configuration became very unsteady once it passed 7 levels, the strips were unable to hold the weight of the above units.
Fixed position
Triangulation of structure to secure tectonic into position.
As the stacked component was structurally weak the tectonic configuration could not use it for stability and as a result sagged down towards the floor. After analysis it became apparent that the unit was weakest at the joint and relied on compression which the strip is weakest. To solve this there needs to be a second bracing unit to triangulate the structure, or alternatively introduce a double curve into the screen assemblage.
METABOLIC WEAVE
Pavilion Development Structural problem solving during the sectional prototype construction resulted in the stacked stereotomy becoming a laterally stacked configuration which utilised the plywood’s compressive strength in section. To adapt the section further and solve the structural weakness of the tectonic aspect of the prototype, as well as introducing a new way to transfer from tectonic to stereotomy, the ambition would be to doubly curve the screen to plug into a stacked wall. The twist would transfer from a break in the tectonic connection to turn 90o and connect the braced stereotomy.
Doubly curving the structure uses the EyeLet unit in both tension and compression producing a balance in structural forces.
TENSION COMPRESSION
Flo
or
Co
nn
ect
ion
Wall Connection
At the foot of the stereotomy a strip which secures the unit at floor level could extend out, twist and connect into the floor EyeLet unit providing a second gradual transfer from connected to stacked.
2012