Bending-Active Plates: Form-Finding and Form-Conversion (2016)
article⁄Bending-Active Plates: Form-Finding and Form-Conversion (2016)
abstract⁄With this paper, the authors aim to contribute to the discourse on bendingactive structures by highlighting two different design methods, formfinding and formconversion. The authors compare the two methods through close analysis of bendingactive plate structures, discussing their advantages and disadvantages based on three built case studies. This paper introduces the core ideas behind bendingactive structures, a rather new structural system that makes targeted use of large elastic deformations to generate and stabilize complex geometrical forms based on initially planar elements. Previous research has focused mainly on formfinding. As a bottomup approach, it begins with flat plates and recreates the bending and coupling process digitally to gradually determine the final shape. Formconversion, conversely, begins with a predefined shape that is then discretized by strategic surface tiling and informed mesh subdivision, and which in turn considers the geometrical and structural constraints given by the plates. The three built case studies exemplify how these methods integrate into the design process. The first case study applies physical and digital formfinding techniques to build a chaise lounge. The latter two convert a desired shape into widespanning constructions that either weave multiple strips together or connect distant layers with each other, providing additional rigidity. The presented case studies successfully prove the effectiveness of formfinding and formconversion methods and render a newly emerging design space for the planning, fabrication, and construction of bendingactive structures.
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| Year |
2016 |
| Authors |
Schleicher, Simon; La Magna, Riccardo. |
| Issue |
ACADIA 2016: POSTHUMAN FRONTIERS: Data, Designers, and Cognitive Machines |
| Pages |
260-269 |
| Library link |
N/A |
| Entry filename |
bending-active-plates |
