A creative form-finding tool: Deformation of plastic sheets due to the influence of temperature and gravity

Abstract

A form-finding technique based on the deformation of plastic sheets by the action of gravity and temperature increase is proposed, allowing the exploration of complex geometries to support form-giving processes within architecture projects, both by students and practitioners. Using an analog and computational approach, the ideal material for the technique was selected from a multifactorial experiment. Semi-structured analog experimentation was carried out based on inputs, rules, and outputs previously identified, and the resulting models were morphologically analyzed, to later translate the components of the analog experimentation into a computational algorithm to carry out computational experimentation. The technique can be used as a generator of novel forms possessing adequate transformational qualities. Finally, potential applications of the technique and avenues for future research are presented.