Design strategies for bending-active plate structures out of multiple cross-connected layers – Conference Proceeding
2015
Schönbrunner A., Haberbosch N., La Magna R.,
Schleicher S., Lienhard J., Knippers J.
Design strategies for bending-active plate structures
out of multiple cross-connected layers.
IASS 2015: Future Visions, Amsterdam, 2015
This paper focuses on various analogue and numerical design strategies that were developed and implemented to generate pre-defined, free-form surfaces with parametrically differentiated bending-active components. Derived from recent research on bending-active plate structures, the authors present two case studies which both focus on the seamless interaction of material, form, and structure. Both systems illustrate a novel approach to the realisation of double curved, free-form structures by means of bending. The two systems were built in prototypical mock-ups to evaluate their geometry and structural capacity. While the resulting geometries are complex, the use of elastic bending during the assembly process allows for simple manufacturing methods. Thin plastic sheets, which are easy to cut and bend, were manipulated by simple, two-dimensional fabrication techniques and assembled into multi-layered, bent structures that are stiff and self-supporting. After a general introduction on bending-active plate structures, the authors present the key design principles used for the development of the two case studies and conclude with a reflection and comparison of these techniques.
