This project undertook intensive material research on the hygroscopic (water-absorbing) properties of wood to create an architectural installation whose morphology responded to changes in ambient humidity. The project uses a bilaminated fabrication system of maple and spruce layers, whose cellular properties result in different rates of expansion when exposed to moisture. The unequal forces between the two layers results in bending behavior, which can be engineered to a desired angle by manipulating the thickness ratio between the two layers. The final product is a self-forming tectonic installation comprised of four different intentional bending behaviors. The pieces were CNC-routed and fabricated flat in a home-made humidity chamber. When exposed to the dry condition of the exhibition space, the wood panels began to dry out, bending into the environmentally-responsive, self-supporting structure shown below.
FABRICATION
MATERIALS RESEARCH
