vMESH – AIRLAB

This pavilion used 3D printing technology directly to functional architectural components at a large scale rather than utilizing the 3D printing technology to create a scaled model.

All of the printed nodes (19 of which are metal, and 72 of which are nylon) were parametrically tailored specifically for their own geometric positions based on the number of concurring bars, and the angle between them. This strategy results in a true, free-form shape where connections are optimized and flushed with the section of the bars.

As our first exploration into 3D printed joints, we designed a 14.5-meter-long fibrous mesh made out of metal and nylon 3D printed nodes and aluminum bars for the school’s Open House in 2016.

The thickness of each individual piece also corresponds to the amount of load it has to bear and this is far more than an art installation. It’s a demonstration of Physics, design and 3D printing all in one.

Behind the apparent chaos, a strict tetrahedral geometry is embedded in the structure of the volume, as a strategy to confer stability and robustness to the whole system. In addition, the lightweight structure serves also as a support for three five-meter-long solid flat platforms which, hovering at different heights, exhibit a selection of students’ works in the main atrium.

Design Concept: Carlos Bañón + Felix Raspall

Research team: Mohair Arora, Ryan Chee, Wei Shen
Student team:

Gammy Chua, Tracy Chow, Ao Chinwen, Pauline Siew, Lisa Koswara, Endy Fitri Bin Saifuldin, Loi Jun, Kai, Tan Jun Kai, Tan Yu Jie, Caroline, Lim Wan Rong, Willa Trixie Ponimin, Rebecca Ong, Liaw Su
Xin, Teo Yu En Dionne, Zhang Ke Er, Shobhaa Narendran, Bryan Lim Wei Guo, Goh Wei Hern, Liew, Sheng Wei Ethan, Tee Yong Kiat

Location: Centre Hub of SUTD