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This thesis develops on the belief that architecture can mediate between different conditions in scope of time and space. Starting from material’s ( textile) property research ,it provokes a new method of exploring sculpting geometries’ profile from two dimensional frames and playing with fluid and ambiguous space.
WHY?
Issue/Precedent
The introduction of concrete, steel and elevator allowed the building to develop taller and heavier. But just as Buckminster Fuller asked, “Do you know how much your house weighs?” While too conscious of house size, we gradually perceive architecture as permanent. But could it be smart and adaptive to various occasions? The question inevitably leads to the architecture discourse of temporariness and flexibility. The discourse of temporariness and flexibility could be traced back to the origin of architecture. Ancient Mongolian has a well-documented history of using tents for
grazing. Metabolists challenged rigid megastructure by soft impermanent units ,which suggests the possibility for buildings to be designed like boats or planes. Frei Otto explored the structural properties of minimal surfaces through the use of simple wool-thread machines with which temporary architecture optimized for large –span uses.
Current
With advent of new material and digital technology, flexible architecture demonstrated great possibility. Currently, Shigeru Ban tests the idea of performing flexibility through the use of component( paper cylinder ,wood strips, etc ) on fixed frame. Yung Ho Chang experiments adopting flexible molds for cladding and structure. Dominque Perrault’s recent works demonstrate spatial moves and concerns of ‘ speed’, ‘liquidity ’, ‘ softness’ which may be applied for the changing function in one building. My Proposition This thesis develops on the belief that architecture can mediate between different conditions in response to the accelerating cycles of economic production, natural disasters and soaring need of flexibility in scope of time and space .It will starts by studying the property of textile, developing from two dimensional frames to sculpt geometries’ profile into a variety of unexpected shapes with great flexibility , which is different from the above method of developing flexibility by mere volume or frames.
WHAT?
site
The selected site for testing the thesis will be a temporary market as it offers potential for creating a prototype for solving the paradox between land efficiency and cyclical use. Thousands of yeas of grand bazaars , and neighborhood weekly market have cemented their presence into the cultural landscape. However, under urbanization ,the temporal nature of these markets leaves the city a programmatic and built vacuum. Thus, to sustain , the transformation of market to higher efficiency is emergent.
The material
The selected material for exploring architecture’s possibility of mediating between the changing conditions is textile. Textile demonstrates its ability to mediate due to many of its inherent properties. By adjusting the frame, the textile can be adapted to nearly any
proportion and suits for new function. Its geometric flexibility and inherent expendability
allows itself to be easily applied to the design of flexible architectural intervention and
urban infrastructure. However, it still relies on frames to form various shape. Thus, various methods for sculpting geometries’ profile from two dimensional frames will be explored. Additionally, fluid surface and semi-transparency of textile could be utilized for blurring boundaries , creating continuous space and unique atmosphere.
HOW?
The design process will be conducted in two phases with different scaled models and drawings in assistance .
1.MATERIAL RESEARCH PHASE :
Material and form: I will carry out research into textile ,from the specific joinery, frames, and surface technique and test its effectiveness. Detailed model(from 1:1 to 1:20 ) will be needed. Due on Feb 2 (Review 1.0).
Material spatial quality :Then I will explore the architectural performance of textile , such as light, comfort, spatial atmosphere and environmental effect. Model-making ( 1:20-1:50 ) and drawings would be needed .Due on Mar 16 (Review 2.0).
PROJECT PHASE:
I will apply above research into the design of project into a specific site. Social issues and
Architectural potential of mediating between different programs will be explored. A series of analytical diagrams of site context and small scale (1:100 to 1:500) models will be conducted .
BIBLIOGRAPHY
THEORY
1.Bahamon A. The magic of tents. Transforming Space, New York ，Loft Publications， 2004，print.
2.Wolff C. The Art of Manipulating Fabric, Wisconsin, Krause Publications, 1996,print.
3.Drew P. Tensile Architecture, Colorado, Westview Press, 1979,print.
4.Koch K-M. Membrane Structures, Munich, Prestel Verlag, 2004，print.
TECHNIQUE
1.Shigeru Ban, Unveils Towering Cardboard Cathedral for Christchurch.
2.Toyo Ito, Taichung metropolitan opera house.
3.Lars Spuybroek, Maison Folie.
4.Frei Otto, German Pavilion at Expo 67.
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