Viscous Catenary (2020)
article⁄Viscous Catenary (2020)
abstract⁄Viscous Catenary is a freeform architectural glass structure that embeds material logic in a distributed system. Multicurved panels are joined in a ‘catenary channel glass’ assembly, expressing the inherent behavior of the material at high temperatures. Float glass will typically achieve a level of viscosity at 1200F 650C, formed in a kiln by draping or ‘slumping. This hybrid fabrication process combines lowtech hardware and modern digital technologies. Glass panels were formed in a traditional kiln over a set of interchangeable waterjetcut steel profiles or a repositionable tooling system. Parametric design in Grasshopper was essential to establish a discrete number of unique formwork elements and subdivide the overall geometry by panel size. In this case, each panel in the system was draped over four steel profiles. The formwork encourages a specific curvature in the glass, most precisely at the locations of folding. These moments of control allow the panels to align at their folds and join in an assembly by splicelamination. Between the folds, the material remains free to shape itself, responding to its thickness, span, time, and temperature into an undetermined ‘viscous catenary.’ Selectively programming the geometry allows for a degree of material agency to remain in the system. This method differs from existing curved architectural glass, which would typically be pressed into a fully deterministic mold, leaving no opportunity for emergent morphologies. A pilot installation joined using transparent silicone adhesive achieved a height of 90cm with overlapping 30cm tall panels. Laser 3d scanning between fabrication and assembly helped evaluate the fit between adjacent panels, identifying locations that required reinforcement. More research is needed to improve tolerances and overcome limitations in the adhesive before scaling up the fabrication system. Viscous Catenary succeeds in questioning the formal and structural potential of matterdriven curved architectural glass assemblies.
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| Year |
2020 |
| Authors |
Pawlowska, Gosia. |
| Issue |
ACADIA 2020: Distributed Proximities / Volume II: Projects |
| Pages |
170-175 |
| Library link |
N/A |
| Entry filename |
viscous-catenary |
