Mexico City houses 3D knitted concrete structure
Zaha Hadid Architects and a Zurich university have collaborated to create a curved shell concrete pavilion using a 3D knitted framework.
Monday, 05 Nov 2018 12:27 GMT
3D knitting could play a part in creating complex concrete structures
Using KnitCrete technology developed by Block Research Group at ETH Zurich, the structure supports five tonnes of concrete with just 55kg worth of knitted material, which was transported from Switzerland to Mexico City in two carry-on suitcases.
Standing four metres tall, the structure named KnitCandela integrates over two miles of 3D printed yarn into four strips ranging 15m to 26m in length. Each strip is a double-layered textile produced as a single piece with two functions. One side fulfils technical requirements including features for inserting, guiding and controlling the position of formwork elements. The visible layer displays a colourful pattern inspired by the traditional dress of Jalisco, Mexico. Following a digitally-generated pattern, the 3D textile shell structure was knitted in 36 hours.
Knitting offers a key advantage that we no longer need to create 3D shapes by assembling various parts”
KnitCandela is a tribute to Spanish-Mexican architect Félix Candela who was known for his curving concrete designs. Built on site at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo (MUAC), the knitted formwork was tensioned between a temporary frame and sprayed with a cement mixture to create a rigid mould. Once hardened, conventional fibre reinforced concrete was applied.
The technology is being developed to simplify the way complex concrete structures are formed. Matthias Rippmann, project manager for KnitCandela and senior researcher in the Block Research Group, says: “It took only five weeks from the initial work until completion – much less time than if we were using conventional technology.”
Mariana Popescu worked on developing the technology used in the KnitCandela and is a doctoral student with Philippe Block, professor of architecture and structure at ETH Zurich. Popescu says: “Knitting offers a key advantage that we no longer need to create 3D shapes by assembling various parts. With the right knitting pattern, we can produce a flexible formwork for any and all kinds of shell structures, pockets and channels just by pressing a button.”
This experimental structure also explores the possibilities of integrating digital fabrication with the skills of traditional craftsmanship and construction methods”
Philippe Block says that, to a certain extent, his group’s pioneering method is a new form of 3D printing, “only it doesn’t require a completely new kind of machine. A conventional knitting machine will do just fine.”
Zaha Hadid Architects comments: “Designed to be constructed within a tight schedule, restricted space and minimal budget, KnitCandela demonstrates the rapid evolution and adaptation of digital design and fabrication to the challenges faced by the construction industry. This experimental structure also explores the possibilities of integrating digital fabrication with the skills of traditional craftsmanship and construction methods.”
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