Part 1: Expandable Material
My initial material studies explored performative patterns of expandable material behaviour from iterative experiments which eliminate graviational forces but preserve a materials natural performance. Materials which negotiate their boundary condition to maintain equilibrium as to improve structural opportunities. Forces in its morphological behaviour which can be constrained through restriction of a formwork. Such results, were demonstrated in architectural propositions of diverse scales as a test bed with consideration to the contemporary context of Advanced Practice.
Part 2: Design Methods
My architectural research proposition aimed to further analyse expandable material, specifically spray polyurethane foam, whereby its phase changing capability and porous properties could produce a solid material which supported growth of living matter (moss) in its enlarged porosity aperture as a microclimate. This stage of research investigated the biological and chemical interaction of living organisms and foam material whilst at the same time, manipulating the aperture and porous properties to create the ideal self- sustaining conditions for moss propagation with consideration to later application on a building facade and the impacts it will have.
Further research which sat at an interdisciplinary junction between architecture and material science, assessed the impact of novel fabrication methods to improve polyurethane foam production and manufacture, application and life time effect through eco- friendly and sustainable systems. This included recycling waste foam material from furniture and mattresses, using renewable resources, elimination of off-gasses, transportation of materials to site from using recycled foam into diesel and overall life cycle cost reduction. The final result, achieved a material that eliminated its global warming potential, whilst also generated a circular economy.
Part 3: Programmatic Context
This systems was developed into a cladding panel, that could be designed to any size, depth, porosity density or pattern to best suit the building and conditions its applied to. The final output set to make our urban fabric more productive by improving air quality (filtering pollutants and CO2).
