I am wanting to test out the idea of fabric formwork initially through physical modelling. Because it is a concept that I have not worked with before, I do not know exactly how the materials will behave, so it will be quite an experimental process. Because of this, I have decided that the best approach will be for me to create an adaptable base rig which can then form the basis for several iterations of experimental models.
The initial idea is to make a base with holes in, into which I can slot lengths of bamboo. With this arrangement, I have a base which can easily be reconfigured, varying how dense of a grid of bamboo I have, swapping bamboos of different heights in and out, and so on.
Initial sketch ideas for the base model
Plan views of the base, showing it configured in two different ways: an unevenly spaced grid of bamboo of different heights; an evenly spaced grid of bamboo all of equal height
After this comes the question of how to apply the fabric to this base. One way is to stretch it over the bamboo and pin it into the base. Another way is to create another frame which can sit above the bamboo, and suspend the fabric from that.
Sketch ideas for the two ways of applying the fabric
Different methods of applying the fabric formwork before casting: stretched and pinned into the base (top); clamped to a separate frame and left to hang down (bottom)
I think that I will pick the second method (clamped to a frame above) for the my first experimental models, as this will allow me to pour plaster into it and see how the plaster and fabric work together. Using the first method I may need to apply the plaster with a brush, otherwise a lot of it is likely to run-off – I may try this method further down the line.
Commenti