10. Textile Scaffold¶
Research¶
Let's start the week!
I've been waiting for that moment since I first learned about the Fabricademy program. There are so many techniques to explore and master—each one opening up new possibilities for creative expression and innovation. The diversity of methods, from biofabrication to advanced digital manufacturing, is both overwhelming and inspiring. It's a thrilling journey to learn how to combine these techniques and bring new ideas to life in the world of sustainable design and technology.
References & Inspiration¶
TEXTILE FORMWORK¶
Textile Formwork offers a fascinating intersection of design, technology, and material science. It enables the creation of complex, lightweight structures by using fabric as a mold for concrete or other materials, opening up new possibilities for architecture and design. The flexibility and adaptability of textiles allow for highly intricate and organic shapes that would be challenging to achieve using traditional formwork methods. This approach also has sustainability benefits, as it often requires less material, reduces waste, and can result in more efficient construction processes. Additionally, the potential for incorporating textiles with different properties and textures introduces exciting opportunities for creating multifunctional surfaces and innovative forms, pushing the boundaries of both design and engineering
Fabric Formwork with Casting¶
Inspiration¶
Explore the fascinating potential of textile formwork and its impact on architectural design in this article by The Architectural League of New York. It delves into innovative concrete techniques and the future of sustainable construction
Concrete Reformed - The Architectural League of New York - Explore the fascinating potential of textile formwork and its impact on architectural design in this article. It delves into innovative concrete techniques and the future of sustainable construction.
credit goes to Ng's Knit Casting project creates View the image
Process and workflow¶
Fabric formwork refers to using flexible fabric materials as molds for casting materials like concrete, plaster, or bio-composites. The flexibility of the fabric allows for fluid, organic forms that traditional rigid molds can't achieve.
Materials¶
| Category | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Fabric Base | Forms the mold; its flexibility shapes the cast and defines surface texture |
| Yarns | Adds structure, texture, or interactive features to the casting |
| Casting Material | Solidifies to capture the shape and details defined by the fabric and yarns |
| Frame Structure | Holds the fabric in place, provides tension and desired geometry |
| Fastening Tools | Helps secure fabric and yarns during setup and casting process |
Process Overview¶
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Build a Frame – Create a simple structure to stretch the fabric over |
| 2 | Attach Fabric – Pull fabric taut over/around the frame |
| 3 | Wrap or Stitch Yarns – Add structure or texture with yarns |
| 4 | Pour Casting Material – Slowly pour plaster, concrete, or other materials |
| 5 | Let Cure – Allow the casting to harden completely |
| 6 | Remove – Take off the frame and peel away the fabric (or leave it embedded) |
For this assignment, I really want to use fabric formwork with casting by using yarn to shape the form and add texture. I'm excited to explore how soft materials can create organic and expressive surfaces in the final cast.
Result¶
I really enjoyed this experiment because it was my first time working with concrete, and it allowed me to explore new techniques and materials in a hands-on way. Using fabric formwork and yarns opened up unexpected possibilities, and I was fascinated by how the soft, flexible materials shaped the final casting. This process felt both intuitive and experimental, which made it very engaging. I’m excited to continue developing this approach and plan to make more pieces in order to discover new forms, textures, and creative directions
Crystalization¶
Inspiration¶
- By using An Alum
Process and workflow¶
1. Crystalization of candy by using a sugar¶
Ingredients & Recipes¶
- water: 1 cup
- sugar (2-3 cups)
- food color
- wooden skewers
- binder clips
- class jars
For the first time¶
For my first attempt at crystallization, I feel quite disappointed with the results. Despite following the process, the outcome didn’t match my expectations, leaving me questioning where things went wrong. Perhaps it was an issue with the solution's saturation, the environment, or the materials used. While it’s disheartening, I understand that trial and error is part of the learning process, and this experience motivates me to refine my approach and try again.
For the second time¶
For my second attempt at crystallization, I made some adjustments to the quantities I used, and I’m pleased to say the results were much better. The changes seemed to improve the process significantly, and I was finally able to achieve a satisfying outcome. This experience taught me the importance of experimenting and fine-tuning to get the desired results.
Rock Candy Recipe¶
| Step | Ingredients/Tools | Quantity/Details | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare the Solution | Sugar | 2 cups | Mix sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat on medium, stirring until dissolved. |
| Water | 1 cup | Allow the solution to simmer for 5–10 minutes to create a supersaturated solution. | |
| Color & Flavor | Food coloring (optional) | A few drops | Remove from heat, cool slightly, and add food coloring or flavoring if desired. |
| Flavoring (optional) | 1–2 drops | Stir to mix thoroughly. | |
| Prepare the Skewers | Wooden skewers or string | 1 per jar | Dip in solution, coat with sugar, and let dry completely to aid crystal formation. |
| Clothespins or clips | 1 per jar | Use to suspend the skewer/string in the jar. | |
| Set Up the Growth | Jar or glass container | 1 per skewer/string | Pour sugar solution into the jar. Ensure the skewer/string doesn’t touch the sides or bottom. |
| Crystal Growth | Undisturbed location | Cool, stable environment | Leave the setup for 1–7 days. Crystals will form on the skewer/string. |
| Harvesting | - | - | Remove the skewer/string once crystals reach the desired size. Let dry before eating. |
for the second time i followed this instructions shown in this table
Crystalization of crocheted flower Using Sugar as 3rd teste¶
| Step | Materials | Quantity | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prepare the Solution | Sugar | 2 cups | Dissolve sugar in boiling water. Stir thoroughly until fully dissolved to create a supersaturated solution. |
| Boiling water | 1 cup | Use enough solution to completely submerge the flower. | |
| Prepare the Flower | Crocheted flower | 1 piece | Ensure the flower is clean and free of dust. |
| String | 1 piece, long enough to suspend the flower | Tie the flower with a string to hang it in the container. | |
| Stick or skewer | 1 piece | Tie the other end of the string to a stick to suspend the flower in the solution. | |
| Submerge the Flower | Heat-resistant container | 1 | Pour the sugar solution into the container. Suspend the flower so it doesn’t touch the sides or bottom. |
| Crystal Growth | Undisturbed location | Cool, stable environment | Leave the setup for 24–48 hours. Crystals will form on the flower as the solution cools. |
| Finishing | - | - | Remove the flower from the solution, let it dry completely, and enjoy the crystallized decoration. |
Notes:¶
- Use clean utensils and a container for best results.
- Add food coloring to the sugar solution for colorful crystals.
- Handle the solution carefully while it’s hot to avoid burns.
- Crystallization works better if the flower has a rough texture for the crystals to adhere to.
This was my first time exploring crystallization, and I wanted to become more familiar with the process and gain some basic knowledge about how it works. I started with sugar to observe how crystals form and grow, and I found the process fascinating. It made me curious to learn more and try different techniques. I plan to continue making more experiments to explore various materials, conditions, and outcomes.
crystalize using alum¶
Inspiration¶
This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions for creating clear, faceted alum crystals on silk substrates. The technique utilizes a saturated alum solution and a bain-marie setup to facilitate slow cooling, resulting in larger crystal formations. The tutorial also explores variations, including the addition of colorants, using different textiles, and post-processing methods like baking to alter the crystals' appearance. credit goes to Loes Bogers here you can see her documentation ALUM CRYSTALS ON SILK – Loes Bogers
Let's begin 📚⚡¶
For crystallization, I used 40 grams of alum in 250 milliliters of warm water. As the solution cools, crystals will begin to form, creating clear and beautiful structures
After preparing the solution, I let it sit undisturbed. After 3 days, the crystals started growing, forming clear and beautiful structures as the water slowly cooled and evaporated.
Result¶
Molding by using paper waste¶
For my leather molding project, I began by designing a mold in the shape of a circle. The circular form was chosen for its simplicity and versatility, allowing me to explore how leather adapts to curved surfaces. I carefully planned the dimensions and ensured the mold provided sufficient depth to achieve a well-defined shape. This process is exciting as it combines precision in mold-making with the organic qualities of leather, offering a unique opportunity to experiment with form and texture. by using solidwork
Inspiration¶
For this week of Scaffold, I was inspired by the workof Angela Barbour . Her innovative approach to materials and design challenges conventional notions of form and structure, pushing boundaries in ways that resonate deeply with my own exploration of creative possibilities. The way she integrates diverse elements into cohesive, thought-provoking pieces has encouraged me to think more expansively about my own projects and the potential of blending unconventional materials. here you can find her documentationTextile Scaffold – Angela Barbour
In this project, Angela Barbour explored textile scaffolds by experimenting with laser-cut patterns on materials like felt, neoprene, and knit fabric. She created modular and interlocking pieces inspired by natural structures such as honeycombs and cells, allowing the textiles to stretch, fold, and take on 3D forms. The focus was on how geometry and pattern influence the behavior and flexibility of fabrics, highlighting the connection between design, structure, and movement in textiles.
Table Step and Description¶
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1. Collect Paper Waste | Gather paper waste such as old newspapers, cardboard, or office paper. |
| 2. Create Paper Pulp | Tear paper into small pieces, soak in water until soft, and blend into pulp using a blender or mixer. |
| 3. Add Binders | Add natural adhesives (e.ggelatin) and mix in glycerin or linseed oil for flexibility. |
| 4. Form the Material | Spread pulp onto a flat surface or mold, press to remove excess water, and shape as desired. |
| 5. Drying and Curing | Let the material dry thoroughly, pressing again to maintain shape and texture. Treat with oils or waxes for leather-like qualities. |
| 6. Molding | Shape or mold the dried material by hand or using a form. |
Process and workflow¶
After 48 hours, I successfully retrieved my mold made from paper waste. The process was both experimental and exciting, as I was unsure how the material would hold up. However, the mold turned out to be solid and well-formed, showcasing the potential of using paper waste as a sustainable molding material. This step marks an important milestone in my project, as it demonstrates the viability of repurposing waste for functional design
ROUTER CNC¶
I had the idea to mold the paper into the shape of my bust, driven by a desire to explore how it could capture form and texture. At the same time, I was very curious to test the router, so this project felt like the perfect opportunity to combine both interests. Using the router allowed me to carve out a mold with precision, and working with paper as a material opened up new possibilities for experimenting with structure and surface.
I started making a body using MakeHuman, adjusting the features to fit my concept and preparing the model for further design and fabrication
After making the body in MakeHuman, I continued by preparing the model for CNC milling, aiming to bring the digital form into a physical mold
The material must be securely attached to the base of the machine to prevent it from shifting during the milling process, which could damage the model. It's also important to accurately position the center of the material to ensure precise cutting
PAPER MAKING¶
I experimented with a formula to work with textile waste, testing different fiber blends to see how they would bond and behave. This allowed me to give new life to discarded materials while exploring the potential of bio-composite textures
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Paper waste (shredded) | 50g |
| Water | 5L |
| CMC (Carboxymethyl Cellulose) | 1/2 tablespoon in 500ml water |
Instructions:¶
- Shred the paper waste into small pieces and soak it in 5 liters of water for a few hours or overnight.
- Blend the soaked paper into a smooth pulp using a blender.
- In a separate container, dissolve 1/2 tablespoon of CMC in 500ml of warm water, stirring until fully dissolved.
- Combine the paper pulp with the CMC solution and mix well until evenly distributed.
- Pour the mixture into your mold and let it dry completely.
Some of the video footage from my experiment was recorded at different times, capturing various stages and conditions throughout the process. This allowed me to document key developments and changes as they occurred, providing a more comprehensive overview of the experiment’s progression
Result¶
Special thanks to my sister Celine, who kindly helped by taking the photos and videos throughout the process💖💖💖
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