inFORMED

This project suggests the use of fabric formwork for lightweight concrete in the case study of chair design. It is based on the principle of hanging model, where the chair is fabricated inverted until it is cured. At the same time, digital form finding techniques were developed that can simulate the physical form finding that takes place. The complexity of the system lies on the interaction of the materials. Depending on the fabric stiffness distribution and the stitching pattern the process achieves forms that are suitable for furniture design. A highly differentiated stiffness of the fabric could give clear control over complex geometries and curvatures. Moving from the 1:5 to 1:2 and 1:1 scale the process proved that by reconfiguring these main parameters the outcome is scalable. However, moving through scales requires calibration of the digital tools. This means to be able to give the stiffness of the fabric as input for a reliable simulation. Although attempted, it could not be achieved in a satisfying level in the scope of the seminar.

Student design project by Georgia Margariti and Nikos Xenos, University of Stuttgart
Tutor: Florian Jonas
Design Studio: Material and Structure, SS 16