Flex Mold

Our project investigates and develops methodologies for dynamic geometrical manipulation, enabling the formation of 3D curved shapes from 2D components or patterns. These strategies are evaluated based on structural performance and applicability to existing construction methodologies, and materialized as innovative method for construction of 3D curved concrete structures. The main engineering task of this project is to accurately simulate and understand the way this construction method handles the dynamic balance between the hydraulic forces of the liquid material (the casted concrete) and the supportive forces needed for the formation of the desired shape. Standards for manufacturing, transportation and assembly of existing formwork systems were carefully considered and ample research in structural performance, industrial standards and the market surrounding 3D curved concrete construction was conducted through discussions with companies form the industry. This research was conducted prior to the start of this project, to set adequate evaluation criteria and boundaries for the engineering process.

Our project aims to achieve Flexible Formwork Systems for 3D curved concrete structures with high time and cost efficiency competitive to single curved or straight concrete construction systems and improved environmental performance much higher than existing 3D curved concrete construction systems. Collaboration was and will continue to be made in the various stages of the project with leading companies from the industry. The aim is to situate novel simulation and fabrication processes within existing construction methodologies and to embed the engineered system into the near future market of concrete building construction.