Flexo InForm Padiglione d'Assemblea

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.

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.

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.

Patents

MV-LG-MCh

Image Credits

Mauro CHIARELLA