WHILST STUDYING AT UCLA Suprastudio in California , Designers Joseph Sarafian and Ron Culver were asked , “ how can motion be integrated into the traditionally stagnant casting process ?” by renowned architect Julia Koerner . Eager to create a method in which concrete could be used to create innovative and flexible designs , the duo began a project as an independent study which would see them robotically manipulate fabric into various shapes . These early experiments were encouraged with the support of Peter Vikar , Shobitha Jacob , Oscar Li and Qi Zhang .
TECHNOLOGY
The use of concrete within building has been utilised for over 10,000 years and has increasingly become one of the most applied materials within construction . Once cement is dried , concrete provides solid , permanent structures which are durable , weather resistant and reliable . However , concrete is not known for its flexibility within architectural design and structural builds – until now
WHILST STUDYING AT UCLA Suprastudio in California , Designers Joseph Sarafian and Ron Culver were asked , “ how can motion be integrated into the traditionally stagnant casting process ?” by renowned architect Julia Koerner . Eager to create a method in which concrete could be used to create innovative and flexible designs , the duo began a project as an independent study which would see them robotically manipulate fabric into various shapes . These early experiments were encouraged with the support of Peter Vikar , Shobitha Jacob , Oscar Li and Qi Zhang .
The duo ’ s aim to create a new method in providing flexibility within a material known for its rigidity , in order to incorporate larger architectural forms would therefore enable architects and designers to build a variety of structures and provide increased freedom .
Through the use of parametric design , which Sarafian explains is “ both a movement and a methodology for designing intelligent controls for manipulating and deriving new geometry in 3D software ”, sewn lycra sleeves are attached to “ 6-Axis Kuka robots and stretched into position . Concrete with a fiber admixture is then poured into the sleeves and hardens . The fabric is stripped away with minimal waste , the robots re-position themselves and a new piece is cast ”, providing unique fabric forms or shapes .
18 December 2016