Textile Informed Structures - How to Braid a Roof, Translating the logic of textile bindings into the scale of architecture

Abstract

Abstract There is a great variety of textiles, both in terms of the behaviour of the fibres they comprise of and the assembly methods used to construct them. Hence, the definition of textile is expanded from including only conventional fabrics to encompass all surfaces with a structure that follows the logic of textiles.[1] One can then refer to textile as a repetition of bindings, or joints, forming a non-hierarchical surface. Analogies between classical textile assembly methods (knit, weave and bobbin lace) and structural systems are studied in this research. Similar to the work of K. Snelson the internal structural logic of textile is identified, describing the joints used in the assembly, followed by mapping of these typologies onto structures.[13] The resulting modules are aimed to be used for the assembly of structures in the scale of architecture. Similar to the behaviour of textile, these structures have the potential to grow in all directions, depending on spatial requirements, while still retaining some kinetic behaviour. Three concepts are proposed. Firstly, an interpretation of the general assembly method of textiles combined with the theory of platonic solids, resulting in a scissorlike structure. Thereafter, parallels are drawn between woven textiles and tensegrity systems, and finally the basic pattern of bobbin lace are mapped onto reciprocal structures. These are evaluated through the application on a case project - a freeform roof structure. The final concepts yield intriguing load bearing systems that illustrate the possibility to design and construct temporary structures able to seamlessly span irregular spaces.