The Forum 展亭

Press Kit

Unique Properties

The Forum will be a stage, a screen, an instrument, and a backdrop, creating space that can be transformed through its use as a venue for convening, public programming, and the arts, fostering a sense of community and encouraging social interaction and engagement. Forum is a prototype for a new way of using new digital sheet metal forming technologies to create large scale, lightweight structures that are easy to produce and quick to assemble.

Dimensions & Packaging

12700mm x 5700mm x 3100mm

Tags

3D printed, digital manufacturing, parametric modeling,sheet metal forming

Production Technology

The design was created in Rhino and Grasshopper with special attention given to design capabilities and constraints of the manufacturing process. Figur digital sheet forming technology was used to create each unique panel without any tooling or dies. Average time to form each aluminum component was approximately 10 minutes. The structure and façade are unified into one language of fluid surfaces composed of aerospace grade aluminum. 66 unique panels create both structure and form, created using digital sheet forming machinery in under 12 hours.

Design Challenge

The goal of the project was to create a new language of construction utilizing a state for the art manufacturing method. Designing and constructing a large scale installation that was lightweight, structurally sound and easy to assemble with basic hand tools were all goals of the project. The modular nature of the construction and ability of the manufacturing method to adapt to unique shapes allowed the creation of a unique modular structure.

Research

The team was deeply interested in the physical manifestation of objects - how they’re conceived, designed, and the craft of making. The tectonics of an object are a direct reflection and representation of how they are used and what they can achieve. It is with this understanding that we will rehearse new modes of manufacturing, assemblage and organization

Inspiration

The Forum design and structure was inspired by construction and assembly methods not typically found in architecture and the built environment. Specifically in aerospace and automotive manufacturing, sheet metal often has multifunction utilization. By using a single material to perform the tasks of structure, enclosure, and design we are able to create a cohesive and efficient object that becomes a blueprint for a new and unique method of construction.

Project Duration

The project was first exhibited in Chicago during the Chicago Architectural Biennial in 2023. It is currently being reassembled in its permanent home in a gallery space in Chicago.

Image Credits

Image 1 : Nick Ulivieri
Image 2 : Nick Ulivieri
Image 3 : Forum Team
Image 4 : Forum Team
Image 5 : Forum Team