Mimbre Shells
Andrea von Chrismar, Catalina Pollak (Marqa Architects)
This proposal consists of a 10 ft x 18 ft (plan) x 10 ft (high) inhabitable space, comprising three lightweight woven-fibre membranes (salix viminales), suspended from an 8 ft wooden pillar. The membranes, to be produced in Chile by local craftsmen, will be transported to NYC and later attached on-site to their wooden support, as described in the proposal.
The project arises from research exploring the spatial and structural potentials of woven natural fibres on an architectural scale. Initially used in the production of basketry, and later furniture, this traditional weaving craft – called Mimbre – has existed in Chile since colonial times, but the practical and aesthetic qualities it offers have seldom been imagined on a larger scale.
Recognising the potential of woven structures to produce complex geometries and highly textured spatial effects, it is interesting to consider how this technology can be applied to architecture. The project will examine the spatial possibilities and material performances of woven-fibre structures, readdressing the questions that have driven the research: the production of shadow in relation to the weaving patterns; the elasticity of the membrane itself and its versatility to adapt to external stresses; the structural performance in relation to the overall geometry, etc. These are themes that have already been tested on 1:1 scale prototypes.
The project will put these earlier experiments into a real case scenario, as well as supporting an initiative that aims, on the one hand, to rescue and stimulate local manufacturing production and, on the other, to explore the potential of engaging new digital design tools with traditional craftsmanship.
The project arises from research exploring the spatial and structural potentials of woven natural fibres on an architectural scale. Initially used in the production of basketry, and later furniture, this traditional weaving craft – called Mimbre – has existed in Chile since colonial times, but the practical and aesthetic qualities it offers have seldom been imagined on a larger scale.
Recognising the potential of woven structures to produce complex geometries and highly textured spatial effects, it is interesting to consider how this technology can be applied to architecture. The project will examine the spatial possibilities and material performances of woven-fibre structures, readdressing the questions that have driven the research: the production of shadow in relation to the weaving patterns; the elasticity of the membrane itself and its versatility to adapt to external stresses; the structural performance in relation to the overall geometry, etc. These are themes that have already been tested on 1:1 scale prototypes.
The project will put these earlier experiments into a real case scenario, as well as supporting an initiative that aims, on the one hand, to rescue and stimulate local manufacturing production and, on the other, to explore the potential of engaging new digital design tools with traditional craftsmanship.
