By manipulating photographs and understanding structural capacity for the bundles of branches, I created human scale spaces using the methods of weaving and bundling. I experimented with the possibilities of vertical arrangement, horizontal arrangement, use as a canopy structure, use as walls and doors, etc. Further exploration would be focused on joinery and foundation in order for these structures to be truly functional.
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In an effort to explore possibilities of spacing, connection, and shape, I formed several combinations of branches and string; along the way, I learned the difficulty of working with organic building materials that bend and shape as stress is placed on them, causing string to shift and pull accordingly.
With a foot of snow on the ground in biting cold air, I trudged around my backyard looking for fallen limbs and sticks of all sizes to use in the construction of a piece of furniture (still yet to be determined). The structural capabilities of these pieces when woven together using twine or jute exhibit the possibility of holding the weight of large objects, and the larger the branches, the more they hold. I began with 2 small scale studies of weaving techniques that I could use at a larger scale as well.
By understanding a bundle of sticks as an ordered system with capabilities of achieving structural integrity, the introduction of an age old building method provides the lateral support necessary to use the sticks in the fashion I intended. By weaving jute over and under between a collection of sticks, the are connected into one system while also becoming structurally sound, taking two objects that would normally serve little to no structural support and combining them methodically to create a structure
While working through the decided process, I referenced several precedents that utilized the same materials in similar applications. Sandworm by Marco Casagrande (above left) is an organic form built on a beach in Wenduine, Belgium, and it serves as a functional piece of sculpture. The woven wood structure provides shelter from the elements, a place of respite. While he had some control over the form, because of the organic nature of wood the form grew as the design was completed. The 2007 Serpentine Pavilion by Eliasson and Thorsen utilizes a tensile string structure that supports the catwalk in the design. This feeling that strings are holding up the surface on which individuals are walking creates an illusion of sorts.
I sat in my kitchen one morning watching the sun rise over the snow-covered limbs of trees, and I was struck with the structural capability and varying scale of branches and trees; this moment caused a reaction of wonder in my mind about the capability of fallen branches and seemingly weak sticks to be used to create ordered structure. Much like the structure of a bird's nest or the weaving of a basket, how could these broke pieces be combined to form a strong and utilitarian piece? How could these otherwise lifeless branches become an element of design?
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UnconventionalFurnitureThis blog describes a process of utilizing found, recycled, or unusual materials to create a flexible piece of furniture or architectural piece. |