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The first object made by using a new technique of building with a textile form as its basis has been presented on a display in Mexico City. The mentioned technique allows creating even more complicated architecture forms. Nearly four-meters-tall construction can be the very first step towards a new way of thinking about building techniques.
Creation process
The textile form was designed down to the last detail using computer programmes and was produced thanks to an industrial knitting machine. Four long strips and double-layered fabric serve as the base of the construction and determines its general shape. The lower layer forms the visible inside whereas the upper has pockets for balloons which create hollow spaces to achieve the desired shape of the object. The whole process took about 36 hours.
The construction
After the preparation process, the textile was packed and transported to Mexico City where it was finally constructed and finished with special materials. Steel cable-net and temporary boundary frames were used to fit the textile over construction. Then it was sprayed with special cement mixture which hardened and was covered with a fiber-reinforced concrete layer.
Advantages
The technology can save a lot of material. For 5 tons of concrete are needed only 55kg of formwork. With this technique, it is possible to construct even more complex objects in a very short time. The concrete construction was named “KnitCandela” and was created in the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City. The material was delivered from Switzerland and the project was developed with famous Zaha Hadid Architects. One of the biggest advantages of this kind of construction is that it does not require any kind of objects or parts to assemble. We can complete the majority of design work with computer and machines help.
