Rice Architecture
22MM_X10
MEMBRANE MODEL / EXPERIMENT TEN
Nicole Yip
Andrew Jiao
Isabelle Ndoumy-Kouakou
This project explores the use of a punctured membrane in two planes, exploring the role of the membrane in relationship to tensile and compressive forces. Inspired by a test model of Frei Otto, in which he conducted a form-finding study for the support of textile membranes and rope nets, our group wanted to expand on this form-finding experiment. Our test models began by exploring how we could reinforce the openings within the membrane. We began with three different reinforcement iterations: a rigid paper frame, a malleable wire, and stitched with a thread. From our studies we discovered that we needed a reinforcement structure that was more rigid than plastic, leading us to use piano wire as the reinforcement material.