XURF (EXpandable SURFaces) Systems generates continuously morphable curved surfaces. Inspired by biological membranes, the resulting surfaces are rigid yet pliable and are able to respond to a variety of surfacing needs. Developed by Milgo/Bufkin, XURF allows the transformation of any flatsheet material into a three-dimensionally curved surface and can accomplish compound curvature with relative ease. Applications include interior and exterior architectural surfaces, structures, sculpture, and a variety of design products. Milgo/Bufkin has developed prototypes primarily using steel, which range from containers and lamps to structural ceiling and wall systems. [Contact:
Milgo/Bufkin, Brooklyn, NY.]
Labels: 41, digital, metal, multidimensional, process
Typical shelving systems retain the same configuration when fully utilized or when empty. Developed by Lateral Architecture, Soft Shelf adapts and changes with its contents and can be expanded or compressed to fit a variety of spaces. The basic shelf unit is composed of two strips of industrial gradefelt, segmented vertically and stitched at intervals to create pockets. Units connect to each other by Velcro, and shelf segments can be added as desired. Segments have aluminum eyelets at the top and are hung from a stainless-steel rod like a curtain. Soft Shelf can be hung against a wall or from the ceiling to act as a screen. [Contact:
Lateral Architecture, Toronto, ON.]
Labels: 10, fabric, felt, multidimensional
When Ronan & Erwan Bouroullec received a commission to create a rooftop shelter in Paris, they devised a system based on a tiny three-dimensional motif. Like their Algues product, Twigs is comprised by an aggregation of polypropylene units resembling small branches. The Twigs clip together on supporting cables, creating an extensive, irregular, and colorful tapestry. A Twig wall approximates camouflage, with a visual complexity resulting from the repetition of simple units. [Contact:
Vitra, Birsfelden, Switzerland.]
Labels: 12, multidimensional, plastic
Andrea Valentini’s Bump material is a sculptural textile made from various fabrics bound to closed cellular foam. The foam is extremely lightweight and durable, imparting sophisticated Bump-clad bags and furnishings with a notable resilience. Bump is also flame retardant and resistant to ultraviolet light, making it even more durable. [Contact:
Andrea Valentini, Inc., Pawtucket, RI.]
Labels: 12, fabric, multidimensional, textile
Erwin Hauer Continua is a series of designs for perforated and light-diffusing architectural surfaces. Originally developed in 1950, Continua screens were made of masonry materials painstakingly cast in complex molds. With the advent of current digital fabrication technologies, Continua screens are now easier to fabricate and mass produce, and Erwin Hauer’s sensual, multidimensional shapes may now be realized in a variety of materials.
Developed in cooperation with Enrique Rosado, Continua screens are available in CNC-cut medium-density fiberboard (MDF) and stone, as well as precast concrete and high-strength gypsum cement. Panels may be shop-fabricated up to 4 x 8 feet (1.2 x 2.4 meters), and larger sizes must be assembled on site. [Contact:
EHR Design Associates LLC, New Haven, CT.]
Labels: 12, multidimensional, process, screen
Ikuko Iwamoto’s work is influenced by the microscopic world, and she is infatuated with cells, spores, and pollens. Iwamoto’s Tactile Ceramics are simultaneously ordinary and extraordinary in nature. They are vehicles to make visible an invisible, microscopic realm. According to the artist, her art conveys a world “of intricacy and detail, of mathematical pattern and organic chaos, of beauty and repulsion.” Although her previous conception of porcelain was cool and sharp, she found that porcelain could be rendered to have a smooth and warm quality in order to convey these influences in her sculpture. [Contact:
Ikuko Iwamoto, London, UK.]
Labels: 12, ceramics, multidimensional, porcelain
TOPO is a series of Corian tables with built-in reconfigurable landscapes. Plastic inserts drop into the table to create functional topographies. TOPO uses rapid-prototyping technology in a way that enables each table to be different, and customers color in the areas where they want inserts placed in the finished product. These inserts sit in the holes and can be swapped out and rearranged. The little hills and valleys are made of plastic that is formed over real rocks. When not in use, these functional land forms invert to become sculptural mountains. According to designer Scott Franklin, “We spend a lot of time sitting at tables, so it’s nice to have some basil planted nearby.” [Contact:
NONdesigns, LLC, Los Angeles, CA.]
Labels: 06, landscape, multidimensional, plants, plastic, table
Kerrigan ceramic architectural tiles are the result of Chicago-based designer Bryan Kerrigan's methodical exploration of dimensionality and texture of the ceramic tile. Designed and manufactured using high-temperature-fired stoneware clay, the tiles are very durable for both interior and exterior applications in all climates.
Beginning his work with ceramics in the early nineties, Kerrigan developed pottery and sculpture with fluid, organic shapes. His experiments in ceramic art led to the development of hand-sculpted tiles for architectural applications. Noting the extent to which the subtlest alterations of plan and edge affected the dimension of the forms, Kerrigan embarked upon several years of thorough ceramics research in order to produce his current collection. [Contact:
Bryan Kerrigan, Chicago, IL.]
Labels: 09, ceramics, mineral, multidimensional, tile
Lauren Moriarty's Noodle Block Cubes represent intriguing experiments in digitally fabricated three-dimensional cellular structures that may be compressed and return to their original form. Moriarty designs the pieces in a digital environment, and they are then laser cut and hand finished. The cubes may be used as decorative seats, cushions, sculpture, or playthings. [Contact:
Lauren Moriarty, London, UK.]
Labels: 12, multidimensional, rubber
The Wovin Wall System is a simple, modular panel system that utilizes depth for dramatic effect. It consists of tiles supported on a lightweight mounting grid which can be fixed to any wall or ceiling surface, light box or display. The Wovin tiles are available in many finishes including wood, laminate, polypropylene, and metal, and they are clipped into the supporting grid in alternating directions to create a distinctive, seamless, woven pattern.
Wovin tiles are offered in two standard sizes, and may be printed with tiled digital images to create a large, undulating image field. Translucent tiles may be backlit with standard fluorescent lights, and these tiles can be effective in ceiling retrofit applications beneath existing light fixtures. [via Wovin Wall.]
Labels: 9, multidimensional, wall treatment, wood
Paper softseating is made entirely from kraft paper, utilizing a flexible honeycomb structure to fan open into stools, benches and loungers. Each of the sizes and types of softseating can compress like a big book for storage. The seating is available in natural, unbleached brown kraft paper and kraft paper that has been dyed a deep black with bamboo charcoal ink to emphasize the geometric pattern of light and shadow. Paper softseating can be used creatively and interchangeably as seating or low tables, and the elements can be stacked playfully as building blocks.
Paper softseating is not intended to be disposable or thought of for short-term use. According to the manufacturer, the paper actually improves with age, as the surface texture of the paper edges softens with use over time into a pleasing natural patina. When one sits on the paper stools or loungers, the edges of the paper will gently soften and crush, creating irregular facets that catch the light and form a unique organic pattern within the crisp honeycomb geometry of the structure. As the surface of the paper softens, the stools and loungers maintain their structural integrity, because the honeycomb geometry lends the paper strength and enables this economy of material resources. Paper softseating is flame-retardant treated and 100% recyclable. [via Molo; suggested by Tom McCollum, Oakland, CA.]
A video demonstration of paper softseating may be viewed here:
http://www.glumbert.com/media/foldingchairLabels: 12, furniture, multidimensional, paper
XURF (EXpandable SURFaces) Systems generates continuously morphable curved surfaces. Inspired by biological membranes, the resulting surfaces are rigid yet pliable and are able to respond to a variety of surfacing needs. Developed by Milgo/Bufkin, XURF allows the transformation of any flatsheet material into a three-dimensionally curved surface and can accomplish compound curvature with relative ease. Applications include interior and exterior architectural surfaces, structures, sculpture, and a variety of design products. Milgo/Bufkin has developed prototypes primarily using steel, which range from containers and lamps to structural ceiling and wall systems. [Contact: Milgo/Bufkin, Brooklyn, NY.]
