Performative compositions - Material behaviour as an active agent in design and fabrication
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School of Arts, Design and Architecture |
Master's thesis
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Date
2016
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Mcode
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Language
en
Pages
205 + 11
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Abstract
While certain design practices tend to relegate materiality as a passive medium of form in the final stages of design, this thesis focuses on the implementation of material behaviour as an active parameter within both the process and the outcome of design. The work considers materials’ inherent dynamic properties as a means to build performative material compositions. As a practice-led research, this thesis involves digital fabrication processes and computational methods to design a kinetic surface system. The project is developed through applied research methods, which refer to the utilisation of prototyping and scientific experiments. The practical research is presented as three associated case studies that lead to the final production of kinetic structures. The first study examines the production of resilient tridimensional surfaces by combining stretch textiles with 3D Printing technology. The second case consists of the generation of pneumatic muscles and their integration as actuators into the membranes. The third case study includes the design of assembly and control system of the final kinetic structures. The theoretical research provides the necessary background information regarding the materials, technologies and procedures employed throughout the scope of this thesis. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth reflection upon the questions raised by the practical research. It also examines the critical role of material behaviour within digital design processes. Literature and retrospective analysis of the processes are used as sources of information to support the discourse. Knowledge and expertise from different disciplines are necessary to achieve the objectives of this thesis. The project involves collaboration with Martin Genet, recently graduated student from the Digital Knowledge Department of Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Paris-Malaquais. Additionally, the practical research of the thesis is conducted within the premises of ADDLAB (Aalto University Digital Design Laboratory) facilities, as a multidisciplinary project between Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, and School of Engineering. The project establishes an experimental strategy that encompasses design, material development and digital fabrication in a holistic research approach. Additionally, the thesis concludes by mapping the importance of understanding and including material information within design processes, while presenting the significant potentials of digital tools in material development. The final outcome of this thesis is presented through an exhibition of the process prototypes and the final kinetic structures.Description
Supervisor
Salolainen, MaaritThesis advisor
Partanen, JouniKeywords
textile, digital fabrication, material behaviour, 3D printing, pneumatics, kinetics