I have been exploring exciting structures that will move and change under wet conditions. Work at Newcastle University with engineer Ben Bridgens and researcher Artem Holstov, demonstrates the amazing potential of this technique which involves the bonding of thin layers of wood veneer to fibre glass. On the roof area of the University these structures have been explosed to the north east weather and the results recorded over time.
Various shaped panels fixed to a framework are seen to curl and open when damp, then close again as they dry out. The University is testing the longevity of such structures, so that they may assess the potential for future architectural application.
Working with Newcastle architects JDDK, the potential of responsive panels like these for use in the roof of an external canopy, is currently under research.
Exploring light and air…creating responsive structures. This simple form shimmers in the breeze and projects colourful light patterns on the wall and on to the surrounding space. Each panel moves with the air and shifts in hue. I am imagining this on a large scale – exciting potential!!
Spent the weekend at Cheeseburn Sculpture Gardens, Northumberland and had the opportunity to show some of my experiments with light responsive materials. Sunlight and breeze…fantastic effects as the materials moved and projected a play of ever-changing light and colour. Over 500 visitors yesterday and lots of interesting discussions and positive responses to the work.
In the studio this week, exploring potential structures for a responsive screen. Combining a responsive layer with a coloured glass layer adds exciting potential for amazing, changing colour projections.
This week I worked with engineer Ben Bridgens to test the responsiveness of the panels we created. When moisture was applied, the veneer panels which are laminated to fibreglass, could be seen to slowly move and curl. As they dried out, the panels returned to their original flat profile. When immersed in water the movement was more dramatic. We recorded this using timelapse photography. We found that the veneer applied to PETG was unresponsive under the same moist conditions. The fibre glass/veneer panels were scored using a scalpel. The movement of these pieces shows potential to create light filtering screens that respond to weather conditions.
