Membrane Interaction

This research project aims at defining form finding processes for multiple interacting membrane elements. Initial experiments focused on the interaction between two simple membrane patches settling into a stable state of equilibrium. Introducing a hierarchical relation between the elements making up the systems investigated more complex configurations were tested. This included the connection of two primary hypars with a barrel shaped secondary membrane. The necessary calibration between the different system constituents proved a major challenge considering that equal tension in both the primary and secondary membranes needed to be achieved. Once this was established more complex and challenging membrane interactions were tested, for example the connection of two perforated primary membranes connected by multiple secondary barrel membranes or a complex field of rectangular membrane patches.

GPA 02 Studio Membrane Spaces (Michael Hensel, Achim Menges)
Ralph Doggen, Rotterdam Academy of Architecture and Urban Design, 2005