PolyMorph
was conceived through a strong desire to create an affective environment
through digital fabrication and a repetitive, tessellated matrix. Through the
extrusion of a single component, seven variations emerged showing tessellation
and variation simultaneously. While an
immense number of solutions were possible through this process, a desire for
variation led to a gradation pattern that emphasized the dual-sided nature of
the material. The faceted form of the components
interacts with the applied light to give the appearance of movement as one
passes through the walking space.
One cut
sheet produced all seven components that constitute one block. The blocks were then flipped on end to give
the piece an undulated pattern towards the appearance of movement. A simple zip-tie connection detail allowed
the pieces to be joined together within the tolerances of the material. To achieve gradation of reflectivity,
components were flipped increasingly until the matrix was reversed.
The
outcome of the research was a separation between cause and visual effect. The installation evokes a mood of calm and
adds an immense amount of interest to a otherwise sterile breezeway.