Project Title:
Dynamic CurvatureThis project explores the principles of soft robotics and uses them to produce spatial complexity. Connected air pockets of graded size are cast strategically into a silicone membrane so that, when inflated, the flow of air through the elastic cells will produce a pre-programmed, 3D form. The resultant curvature, when scaled, is suggestive of architectural space-defining characteristics (in this case, envelope or enclosure).
All systems - pneumatic, electrical, and material - were programmed to respond to changes in the environment. Two interfacing sensors were embedded within the silicone when it was cast. A network of conductive threads with capacitive abilities could detect changes in local electrical field and were sensitive enough to know when and where a living being was touching it. Infrared distance sensors pick up on the being's proximity and respond accordingly. In both cases, interaction was met with either inflation or deflation of that local area.
Though small, it displays the potential for silicone as a holistic architectural system of structure, enclosure, and interface.
This project was done in collaboration with Arta Ghoorchian.
Though small, it displays the potential for silicone as a holistic architectural system of structure, enclosure, and interface.
This project was done in collaboration with Arta Ghoorchian.