thoughts on structure

Vinnie and I began by brainstorming characteristics of mobility in regards to structure. To what extent will our structure be mobile?

Important considerations:
- weight of the material
- strength of connections
- level of assembly / complexity of structure
- is it dynamic?
- allowance for attachments- internal and external

Based on these ideas, we looked at several case studies that incorporated a variety of materials and forms. In the project by Studio 80 Tea Room the materials were permeable in the sense that the walls were not solid. Upon first glance, it resembles elastic stretched across the frame. Although the project was constructed of bamboo, we explored the possibility of using elastic in this type of construction. As a flexible and opaque material, elastic enables the form to remain lightweight but take on various forms. Study models are shown below.
Based upon the same principles as the elastic material, we also explored the possibility of using fabric within the structure after viewing the project Floating Pavillion by Maki & Associates. The material has the ability to act as a skin when applied to a framework and possesses a similar degree of flexibility as elastic.
We are proposing to meet together with the other groups to discuss the interaction between the five elements.