Fashion Week 2011
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Polymorphic Bench
In collaboration with the polymorphic youth
Columbia GSAPP Fast Pace Slow Space
Instructed by Brigette Borders & Mark Bearak
Spring 2011
Polymorphic is a kinetic and interactive installation utilizing design and an engineering solution inspired by the simple kinetic action of a see-saw and the reverberating motion of a Slinky. With a series of 119 unique and interconnected sections, a simple central pivot and bolt system allows the vertical movement of one section to be picked up by others down the line. Together, this motion allows the installation to transform from a series of leveled sections into an undulating form activated through interaction with its occupants.
With an intent to be a truly interactive design, Polymorphic's transforming shape consists of six programs and an occupiable interior. These functions allow for new means of interaction, breaking away from the typical uses of a "bench". From the cave to the surfboard, users are encouraged to sit, lounge, climb, jump, rock, or push the installation.
Two simple connections not only provide the stability of the bench, but moderate the movement of each individual section as it reacts to applied forces. The first is a sliding bolt connection, which acts as a restraint between sections, controlling the displacement allowed to be carried over from adjacent sections. The second is an elastic connection, which is a typical rubber band that gives the bench its "springy" quality while providing lateral stability to the installation as a whole.
The bench in motion.
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Occupiable interior of the bench.
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Unlike the typical adaptation of a scripting component to generate design, Polymorphic uses scripting mainly as a method of production. The automated process serves as a transitional tool from digital space to the physical realm. After the design was completed, the 3D model was used as the input to generate the 928 pieces necessary for construction. The Grasshopper script was responsible for printing not only the contour of the pieces, but all of the 3 corresponding types of joints, as well as a mill-ready labeling system. This process greatly increased production efficiency, as it was able to accurately output the building blocks of the design.
Data Output, converted pieces to be milled
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The design of Polymorphic was inherently sustainable, due to the financial constraint of a $1000 budget. The design was broken down into small and linear pieces that maximized the quantity fit on a sheet of plywood. In total, the entire installation only used 18 sheets of plywood, which were utilized at over 90% efficiency.
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The Making Of
New Museum, Spring 2012
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