Abstract/Summary

Archilace is the name of a new construction technique for generating spatial structures originally developed by the artists Loop.pH. This paper introduces the original method and subsequent collaborative work between Loop.pH and Ramboll Computational Design in understanding the behaviour of these structures. The technique involves forming doubly curved thin shells from a series of interlocking glass fibre-reinforced plastic (GFRP) hoops. The shell surfaces are strengthened with either additional GFRP or carbon-fibre laces that weave between the hoops in a prescribed pattern. When shaped into doubly curved forms, the structures become stiff and able to resist significant imposed loads. Two case study projects are presented that implement the Archilace technique; Atmeture and Arborescence, both temporary installations by Loop.pH realised in 2014. Through research and application, the technique is an example of how new materials can be used in novel ways to generate shell structures through the use of computational design.