Gold Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design · 2021
Flexo InForm Assembly Pavilion
by M Veizaga, L Gronda and M Chiarella
- A' Design Award 2021 Gold Winner in Generative, Algorithmic, Parametric and AI-Assisted Design
- Awarded April 15, 2021
- CLIENT: Rilab
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 703,793
- Verification code 473773023C · Verify this award
About Flexo InForm Assembly Pavilion
Flexo InForm is an assembly pavilion derived from an innovative design processes oriented to geometric-material performance. The process developed begins with the parametric discretization of a complex geometry inspired by the weaving of natural fibers typical of the Argentine Littoral region. Simulation algorithms use active bending behavior as a design tool applied to structures that base their geometry on the elastic deformation of laminar elements. The result is a low-cost mono-material pavilion, self-supporting, adaptable to any terrain topography, low weight and fast assembly.
Mauro Chiarella and Veizaga-Gronda team's Flexo InForm Assembly Pavilion emerges from the fertile intersection of computational design methodology and material craft intelligence, representing a distinguished contribution to the evolving discourse surrounding digitally-derived architectural form and its physical manifestation through elastic bending techniques. The structure demonstrates how parametric modeling and algorithmic optimization can generate forms that honor both structural efficiency and aesthetic resonance, its doubly-curved surface achieved through the inherent flexibility of thin plywood strips bent and interlocked according to precisely calculated geometric relationships. The warm timber palette establishes an immediate material authenticity, the natural grain and color variation of each element contributing to a visual richness that computational precision alone cannot achieve, suggesting a thoughtful synthesis of digital conception and analog fabrication. Compositionally, the pavilion achieves remarkable lightness despite its substantial enclosure, the rhythmic repetition of crossing members creating a visual music that shifts and modulates as one circumnavigates the form, with apertures offering glimpses through to landscape beyond. The installation within a naturalistic parkland setting amplifies the work's dialogue with organic growth patterns, the curved timber frame echoing the branching geometries of surrounding trees while maintaining its own distinct formal identity. Thematically, the pavilion invites contemplation of shelter as both protection and permeability, the gridshell membrane providing spatial definition without complete enclosure, creating threshold conditions that blur distinctions between inside and outside, constructed and natural. The collaborative fabrication methodology suggested by the design's name positions this work within broader conversations about participatory making and the democratization of architectural production through accessible assembly techniques. Visitors might consider how this structure transforms understanding of material potential, demonstrating that standard sheet goods can achieve complex curvature through strategic cutting, bending, and connection.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Flexo InForm is an Assembly Pavilion prototype derived from an experimental exercise in search of innovative design processes oriented to geometric-material performance. In our case, the active bending behavior is used as a design tool applied to structures that base their geometry on the elastic deformation of laminar elements. The algorithm developed improves the operational relationship between optimization and discretization processes of complex geometries; and a new structural performance
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Geometric simulation algorithms and physical evaluation of double curvature woven spatial structure with multidirectional resistance. Manufacture by CNC routter of 3mm multilaminated wooden plates. Linear assembly of fragmented belts using wing nut screws.
- Tags
- assembly pavilion, performance, parametric design, digital materiality
- Production Technology
- The process developed begins with the parametric discretization of a complex geometry built with 3mm multi laminated Guatambu wooden plates. The resulting flat tapes are flexed using a physical simulation algorithm to obtain a self-forming structural envelope which is then calibrated and unfolded to allow fabrication with CNC tools. The simple assembly of non-serialized components is carried out on site in three stages. Staking and organization of the tapes, joining the components and lifting the laminar envelope ending with instrumentation and bending adjustments for self-shaping of the self-supporting structure.
- Design Challenge
- The tradition in the calculation of structures is to limit the amount of bending in efforts to simplify the typological behavior of a system. Our proposal is to take advantage of the bending of a material to create complex and extremely light designs, achieving greater structural rigidity. For this challenge, it is necessary to create algorithms that control the admissible ranges, optimizing the geometric-material performance. Active bending is our design tool for creating self-supporting structures with complex geometries.
- Project Duration
- Flexo InForm was assembled in 2 hours and was available for 1 month for outdoor activities of students and professors of the Faculty of Architecture, Design and Urbanism of the National University of the Littoral (FADU-UNL, Santa Fe Argentina).
- Operation Flow
- The final shape of the Pavilion is just one of the many possible variations of the algorithm created. A range of pre-designed variables allows contextual adaptation of families of possible solutions. Discretization of complex geometries and CNC manufacturing enables simple and fast assembly of non-serial components by inexperienced users. The low weight of the structure allows mobility in a close radius and the flat belt assembly system and little packaging volume, guarantees its transportability over long distances.
- Research
- Flexo InForm is an Assembly Pavilion prototype derived from an experimental exercise in search of innovative design processes oriented to geometric-material performance. Physical evaluation and simulation algorithms use active bending behavior as a design tool applied to structures that base their geometry on the elastic deformation of laminar elements. The result is a low-cost mono-material pavilion; self-supporting; adaptable to any terrain topography (due to its tripartite support base and its structural dynamics); low weight and fast assembly. It is an Ecological, Reusable, Recyclable and Sustainable pavilion
- Inspiration
- The process developed begins with the parametric discretization of a complex geometry inspired by the weaving of natural fibers (wicker and rush) typical of the Argentine Littoral region. Its research objective is the creation of an innovative design process based on the generation of algorithms oriented to the performance of geometric materials.
- Image Credits
- Mauro CHIARELLA
- Patents
- MV-LG-MCh
Colors of Flexo InForm Assembly Pavilion
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