PFA-PipeFoldingAggregations
Folding Circular Crossections to Assemble spatial Structures

Line networks allow for a wide interpretation of spatial relationships. Through investigation and bespoke manipulation, these networks can represent more complex configurations. Materializing these networks requires additional manipulation that reconfigures the entire structure and its internal relationships. One simple representation of lines is a pipe with a circular cross-section. This pipe materialization will be examined from single units to complex aggregations. A single unit consists of a planar sheet with two seam lines and one curved fold.

Students will learn to develop strategies that enable the transformation of three-dimensional networks into structurally valid spatial configurations using folded and bent sheet material. Through the exploration of various strategies applied to a single unit—and with an open, experimental approach—participants will develop their own individual methods using techniques such as bending, folding, or other traditional sheet material processes. Starting from a simple base module, students will create innovative design strategies. Promising concepts will be supported by digital tools, specifically Rhino and Grasshopper, to establish an effective and coherent digital workflow. Based on this workflow, a scaling strategy will be introduced to facilitate the fabrication of larger mock-ups. The size of these mock-ups is open for discussion, as there is no predefined choice of material. As a final objective, students will be tasked with designing a bridge, tower, or shelter that demonstrates both spatial quality and structural performance. These structures should be built either at scale or as mock-ups to validate and demonstrate the core concepts.

Digital methods will be integrated with physical model-making in a continuous feedback loop. Material properties will be examined, and their performance will be optimized through custom folds or other tailored interventions. Students will develop and implement a digital workflow using Rhino/Grasshopper or other suitable tools.