Knit, with its inherent flexibility and ability to integrate bespoke material performance, create... more Knit, with its inherent flexibility and ability to integrate bespoke material performance, creates a promising alternative to traditionally woven membranes in architectural textile applications. The CNC-knitting technology allows for the manufacturing of membranes with gradient expansion properties by numerically controlling the distribution of varied stitches. In architectural knitted structures, material programming is used to achieve complex bespoke three-dimensional surfaces at a large scale, with a minimum residual waste during continuous digital manufacturing 2-4. This permits to depart from the cut-pattern-based strategy commonly used for woven non-expandable membranes while allowing for the integration of multiple material properties in a single production process.
Membrane architecture uses currently off the shelf materials and produces the shapes and details ... more Membrane architecture uses currently off the shelf materials and produces the shapes and details through cutting and laborsome joining of textile patterns. This paper discusses investigations into an alternative material practice - knit - which engages bespoke membrane materials. A practice which allows for customised and graded material properties, the direct fabrication of shaped patterns and the integration of detailing directly into the membrane material. Based on two demonstrators built as hybrids of bespoke CNC knit and bending active GFRP rods this paper discusses the affordances and procedures, which this new practice of digital fabrication of membrane material requires. The central focus is set on the interaction between the involved disciplines and the emerging iterative process of design, material specification, prototyping, evaluation, (re-)design and (re-)specification. We discuss how design and engineering practices change, when material properties move from given and constant into the area of design and gradient.
International Journal of Architectural Computing, 2018
Multiscale design and analysis models promise a robust, multimethod, multidisciplinary approach, ... more Multiscale design and analysis models promise a robust, multimethod, multidisciplinary approach, but at present have limited application during the architectural design process. To explore the use of multiscale models in architecture, we develop a calibrated modeling and simulation platform for the design and analysis of a prototypical envelope made of phase change materials. The model is mechanistic in nature, incorporates material-scale and precinct scale-attributes, and supports the design of two- and three-dimensional phase change material geometries informed by heat transfer phenomena. Phase change material behavior, in solid and liquid states, dominates the visual and numerical evaluation of the multiscale model. Model calibration is demonstrated using real-time data gathered from the prototype. Model extensibility is demonstrated when it is used by designers to predict the behavior of alternate envelope options. Given the challenges of modeling phase change material behavior ...
Proceedings of the 34th International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) [Volume 1]
Textiles are widely used in architecture for tensile structures, as they are lightweight and can ... more Textiles are widely used in architecture for tensile structures, as they are lightweight and can easily span large distances. These structures typically require an external framework for a support. Inflatable structures are self-supporting but are limited to relatively simple forms or require complex and predetermined cut patterns. The development of an adaptive and programmable textile system with an integrative method for pneumatic activation would create a novel self-supporting structure with high degree of design and architectural potential. This creates a highly integrative hybrid system where the generic pneumatic membranes are constrained by the differentiated knitted textile skin that is stretched in several directions under air pressure. This allows for an innovative, lightweight, easily transportable design, where the preprogrammed knitting pattern defines the structure, geometry and formation, activated under pneumatic pressure.
ABSTRACT In this paper, we are presenting a design to fabrication system, which allows to produce... more ABSTRACT In this paper, we are presenting a design to fabrication system, which allows to produce efficiently and highly automated customised knitted textile elements for architectural application on industrial computer-controlled knitting machines (Computer Numerical Control (CNC) knitting machines). These textile elements can, in this way, be individual in both geometry, detailing and material behaviour. This work extends recent work on CNC knitted tensile members and presents a set of innovations in design and manufacturing, which together allow to build structural systems, in which highly individualised membrane members allow a structure to take on multiple structural states. Underlying these innovations is a shift from the focus on geometry and homogeneity in material and behaviour, expressed in current state-of-the-art membrane structures and materials. Instead our research lays the foundation for a new class of membrane materials with varying bespoke local material properties. In this paper we present the underlying digital tools and processes for design, analysis and manufacturing of these hyper specified textile membranes. We showcase and evaluate the potentials of Computational Knit for novel structural membrane systems through the large-scale installation Isoropia designed and built for the Danish Pavilion in the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale.
This paper presents the prototyping of new methods by which functionally graded materials can be ... more This paper presents the prototyping of new methods by which functionally graded materials can be specified and produced. The paper presents a case study exploring how machine learning can be used to train a model in order to predict fabrication files from formalised design requirements. By using knit as a model for material fabrication, the paper outlines the making of new cyclical design methods employing machine learning in which simpler prototypical materials acts as input for more complex graded materials. A case study-Ombre-showcases the implementation of this workflow and results and perspectives are discussed.
Geometries designed with carefully controlled heat absorption and heat transfer profiles often el... more Geometries designed with carefully controlled heat absorption and heat transfer profiles often elude designers because of the complexity of thermodynamic phenomena and their associated discipline-specific numerical models. This project examines the behavior and design of geometries associated with non-isolated thermodynamic systems by constructing a material prototype that is fully coupled to a mechanistic modeling interface. The prototype, a facade system of phase change materials, was mounted on an adjustable outdoor testbed. Its baseline geometry was continuously monitored over two seasons and characterized with respect to variation in liquid and solid states. The mechanistic model, which uses a finite element method, incorporates multiple components including geometry, orientation, material properties, context geometry (e.g. buildings and vegetation), weather, climate, and an array of sensors monitoring the real-time temperature distribution of the testbed and phase-change mater...
This paper examines the use of machine learning in creating digitally integrated design-to-fabric... more This paper examines the use of machine learning in creating digitally integrated design-to-fabrication workflows. As computational design allows for new methods of material specification and fabrication, it enables direct functional grading of material at high detail thereby tuning the design performance in response to performance criteria. However, the generation of fabrication data is often cumbersome and relies on in-depth knowledge of the fabrication processes. Parametric models that set up for automatic detailing of incremental changes, unfortunately, do not accommodate the larger topological changes to the material set up. The paper presents the speculative case study KnitVault. Based on earlier research projects Isoropia and Ombre, the study examines the use of machine learning to train models for fabrication data generation in response to desired performance criteria. KnitVault demonstrates and validates methods for shortcutting parametric interfacing and explores how the tr...
International Journal of Architectural Computing, 2020
Machine Learning (ML) is opening new perspectives for architectural fabrication, as it holds the ... more Machine Learning (ML) is opening new perspectives for architectural fabrication, as it holds the potential for the profession to shortcut the currently tedious and costly setup of digital integrated design to fabrication workflows and make these more adaptable. To establish and alter these workflows rapidly becomes a main concern with the advent of Industry 4.0 in building industry. In this article we present two projects, which presents how ML can lead to radical changes in generation of fabrication data and linking these directly to design intent. We investigate two different moments of implementation: linking performance to the generation of fabrication data (KnitCone) and integrating the ability to adapt fabrication data in realtime as response to fabrication processes (Neural-Network Steered Robotic Fabrication). Together they examine how models can employ design information as training data and be trained to by step processes within the digital chain. We detail the advantages ...
Extending recent work on Form Active Hybrid Structures of Active Bend and CNC knitted (Computer N... more Extending recent work on Form Active Hybrid Structures of Active Bend and CNC knitted (Computer Numerical Control) tensile members we present a set of innovations in design and manufacturing, which together allow to build structural systems, that morph across multiple structural states. While state of the art tools and fabrications methods in textile hybrid structures provide architects and engineers with means to adopt the geometry of a chosen textile system to the requirements of a given site, constraints in design thinking, tools and manufacturing however still limit the ability to change the spatial and structural qualities and expressions within a textile object. The potentials of our developments to create new spatial expressions and atmospheres in textiles structures are demonstrated and evaluated through the large-scale installation Isoropia designed and built for the Danish Pavillion in the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale.
CNC knitted membranes provide a promising alternative to the traditionally woven materials in tex... more CNC knitted membranes provide a promising alternative to the traditionally woven materials in textile architectures, as they allow for bespoke material performance, sustainable and efficient production and integration of functionality in the material itself [1]. However the inherent elasticity of knit and non-linear behaviour under load makes it hard to predict the mechanical performance of the material. There is especially a lack of knowledge in terms of long term behaviour of the material under stress and outdoor conditions for CNC knitted structures in architectural scale. The currently largest application of CNC knit the Bending Active Textile Hybrid Isoropia (Fig.1) [2] which was installed during the Venice Biennale 2018 provided an opportunity to monitor and evaluate the behaviour of a custom made knit structure over a period of 8 month with 150.000 visitors and storm events. In order to steer the material behaviour of Isoropia we have developed a new knit structure, using a...
Knit, with its inherent flexibility and ability to integrate bespoke material performance, create... more Knit, with its inherent flexibility and ability to integrate bespoke material performance, creates a promising alternative to traditionally woven membranes in architectural textile applications. The CNC-knitting technology allows for the manufacturing of membranes with gradient expansion properties by numerically controlling the distribution of varied stitches. In architectural knitted structures, material programming is used to achieve complex bespoke three-dimensional surfaces at a large scale, with a minimum residual waste during continuous digital manufacturing 2-4. This permits to depart from the cut-pattern-based strategy commonly used for woven non-expandable membranes while allowing for the integration of multiple material properties in a single production process.
Membrane architecture uses currently off the shelf materials and produces the shapes and details ... more Membrane architecture uses currently off the shelf materials and produces the shapes and details through cutting and laborsome joining of textile patterns. This paper discusses investigations into an alternative material practice - knit - which engages bespoke membrane materials. A practice which allows for customised and graded material properties, the direct fabrication of shaped patterns and the integration of detailing directly into the membrane material. Based on two demonstrators built as hybrids of bespoke CNC knit and bending active GFRP rods this paper discusses the affordances and procedures, which this new practice of digital fabrication of membrane material requires. The central focus is set on the interaction between the involved disciplines and the emerging iterative process of design, material specification, prototyping, evaluation, (re-)design and (re-)specification. We discuss how design and engineering practices change, when material properties move from given and constant into the area of design and gradient.
International Journal of Architectural Computing, 2018
Multiscale design and analysis models promise a robust, multimethod, multidisciplinary approach, ... more Multiscale design and analysis models promise a robust, multimethod, multidisciplinary approach, but at present have limited application during the architectural design process. To explore the use of multiscale models in architecture, we develop a calibrated modeling and simulation platform for the design and analysis of a prototypical envelope made of phase change materials. The model is mechanistic in nature, incorporates material-scale and precinct scale-attributes, and supports the design of two- and three-dimensional phase change material geometries informed by heat transfer phenomena. Phase change material behavior, in solid and liquid states, dominates the visual and numerical evaluation of the multiscale model. Model calibration is demonstrated using real-time data gathered from the prototype. Model extensibility is demonstrated when it is used by designers to predict the behavior of alternate envelope options. Given the challenges of modeling phase change material behavior ...
Proceedings of the 34th International Conference on Education and Research in Computer Aided Architectural Design in Europe (eCAADe) [Volume 1]
Textiles are widely used in architecture for tensile structures, as they are lightweight and can ... more Textiles are widely used in architecture for tensile structures, as they are lightweight and can easily span large distances. These structures typically require an external framework for a support. Inflatable structures are self-supporting but are limited to relatively simple forms or require complex and predetermined cut patterns. The development of an adaptive and programmable textile system with an integrative method for pneumatic activation would create a novel self-supporting structure with high degree of design and architectural potential. This creates a highly integrative hybrid system where the generic pneumatic membranes are constrained by the differentiated knitted textile skin that is stretched in several directions under air pressure. This allows for an innovative, lightweight, easily transportable design, where the preprogrammed knitting pattern defines the structure, geometry and formation, activated under pneumatic pressure.
ABSTRACT In this paper, we are presenting a design to fabrication system, which allows to produce... more ABSTRACT In this paper, we are presenting a design to fabrication system, which allows to produce efficiently and highly automated customised knitted textile elements for architectural application on industrial computer-controlled knitting machines (Computer Numerical Control (CNC) knitting machines). These textile elements can, in this way, be individual in both geometry, detailing and material behaviour. This work extends recent work on CNC knitted tensile members and presents a set of innovations in design and manufacturing, which together allow to build structural systems, in which highly individualised membrane members allow a structure to take on multiple structural states. Underlying these innovations is a shift from the focus on geometry and homogeneity in material and behaviour, expressed in current state-of-the-art membrane structures and materials. Instead our research lays the foundation for a new class of membrane materials with varying bespoke local material properties. In this paper we present the underlying digital tools and processes for design, analysis and manufacturing of these hyper specified textile membranes. We showcase and evaluate the potentials of Computational Knit for novel structural membrane systems through the large-scale installation Isoropia designed and built for the Danish Pavilion in the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale.
This paper presents the prototyping of new methods by which functionally graded materials can be ... more This paper presents the prototyping of new methods by which functionally graded materials can be specified and produced. The paper presents a case study exploring how machine learning can be used to train a model in order to predict fabrication files from formalised design requirements. By using knit as a model for material fabrication, the paper outlines the making of new cyclical design methods employing machine learning in which simpler prototypical materials acts as input for more complex graded materials. A case study-Ombre-showcases the implementation of this workflow and results and perspectives are discussed.
Geometries designed with carefully controlled heat absorption and heat transfer profiles often el... more Geometries designed with carefully controlled heat absorption and heat transfer profiles often elude designers because of the complexity of thermodynamic phenomena and their associated discipline-specific numerical models. This project examines the behavior and design of geometries associated with non-isolated thermodynamic systems by constructing a material prototype that is fully coupled to a mechanistic modeling interface. The prototype, a facade system of phase change materials, was mounted on an adjustable outdoor testbed. Its baseline geometry was continuously monitored over two seasons and characterized with respect to variation in liquid and solid states. The mechanistic model, which uses a finite element method, incorporates multiple components including geometry, orientation, material properties, context geometry (e.g. buildings and vegetation), weather, climate, and an array of sensors monitoring the real-time temperature distribution of the testbed and phase-change mater...
This paper examines the use of machine learning in creating digitally integrated design-to-fabric... more This paper examines the use of machine learning in creating digitally integrated design-to-fabrication workflows. As computational design allows for new methods of material specification and fabrication, it enables direct functional grading of material at high detail thereby tuning the design performance in response to performance criteria. However, the generation of fabrication data is often cumbersome and relies on in-depth knowledge of the fabrication processes. Parametric models that set up for automatic detailing of incremental changes, unfortunately, do not accommodate the larger topological changes to the material set up. The paper presents the speculative case study KnitVault. Based on earlier research projects Isoropia and Ombre, the study examines the use of machine learning to train models for fabrication data generation in response to desired performance criteria. KnitVault demonstrates and validates methods for shortcutting parametric interfacing and explores how the tr...
International Journal of Architectural Computing, 2020
Machine Learning (ML) is opening new perspectives for architectural fabrication, as it holds the ... more Machine Learning (ML) is opening new perspectives for architectural fabrication, as it holds the potential for the profession to shortcut the currently tedious and costly setup of digital integrated design to fabrication workflows and make these more adaptable. To establish and alter these workflows rapidly becomes a main concern with the advent of Industry 4.0 in building industry. In this article we present two projects, which presents how ML can lead to radical changes in generation of fabrication data and linking these directly to design intent. We investigate two different moments of implementation: linking performance to the generation of fabrication data (KnitCone) and integrating the ability to adapt fabrication data in realtime as response to fabrication processes (Neural-Network Steered Robotic Fabrication). Together they examine how models can employ design information as training data and be trained to by step processes within the digital chain. We detail the advantages ...
Extending recent work on Form Active Hybrid Structures of Active Bend and CNC knitted (Computer N... more Extending recent work on Form Active Hybrid Structures of Active Bend and CNC knitted (Computer Numerical Control) tensile members we present a set of innovations in design and manufacturing, which together allow to build structural systems, that morph across multiple structural states. While state of the art tools and fabrications methods in textile hybrid structures provide architects and engineers with means to adopt the geometry of a chosen textile system to the requirements of a given site, constraints in design thinking, tools and manufacturing however still limit the ability to change the spatial and structural qualities and expressions within a textile object. The potentials of our developments to create new spatial expressions and atmospheres in textiles structures are demonstrated and evaluated through the large-scale installation Isoropia designed and built for the Danish Pavillion in the 2018 Venice Architectural Biennale.
CNC knitted membranes provide a promising alternative to the traditionally woven materials in tex... more CNC knitted membranes provide a promising alternative to the traditionally woven materials in textile architectures, as they allow for bespoke material performance, sustainable and efficient production and integration of functionality in the material itself [1]. However the inherent elasticity of knit and non-linear behaviour under load makes it hard to predict the mechanical performance of the material. There is especially a lack of knowledge in terms of long term behaviour of the material under stress and outdoor conditions for CNC knitted structures in architectural scale. The currently largest application of CNC knit the Bending Active Textile Hybrid Isoropia (Fig.1) [2] which was installed during the Venice Biennale 2018 provided an opportunity to monitor and evaluate the behaviour of a custom made knit structure over a period of 8 month with 150.000 visitors and storm events. In order to steer the material behaviour of Isoropia we have developed a new knit structure, using a...
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Papers by Yuliya Sinke