Symposium

Moving Structure
Pavel Hladik
www.movingstructure.info

Summary
The project investigates the possibility of material systems to enable an interactive environment. This project aims to find the way an elegant and more effective solution that can realize a controlled flexible environment. In this case it casts light upon the configuration of members from the shape memory alloy (SMA) onto the moving structure. The assembly represents an interactive structure with emergent properties.

The material system consists of components (from spirals of SMA) that affect each other. The SMA used in the project is a material consisting of three metals: nickel, titanium, copper (NiTiCu). Because of the characteristic of the alloy the deformation could be up to 5%. The material features two structures: the Hot shape and the Cold shape. The cold shape structure is very soft and could be deformed under load pressure whereas the hot shape determines the final position of the structure. The final result is coded to the SMA during the process of its production.

Components are assembled to create an electrical circuit in addition with lightweight conductive fibers. NiTiCu spirals serve as resistance wires. Therefore they are gradually heated. The stability is provided by lock joints and Teflon foil which serves against buckling of the whole assembly. Moreover, there is a variant with strong strings that hold the particles together. Physical representative models tested the pattern as well as possibilities for assembling the position and size of components.

The proposed system opens a discussion regarding the division of environments and space. The structure could be used as an “intelligent” interior division or an environmentally sensitive shelter.

Biography

Pavel Hladik is an architect. He studied architecture at the Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic and is a student of Emergent Technologies and Design at the Architectural Association, UK. At the AA is a member of Mike Weinstock’s research team that is interested in convergence of biomimetic engineering, emergence and material science. He works on architectural and research projects in Czech Republic and United Kingdom.

The second phase of the project Moving Structure was worked out with Veerapat T. and Filip Dubsky.