Finalist /// 2011 Acadia Design + Fabrication Competition

Concept ///

The Platelet Partition is one permutation of a multi-layered organizational system that uses material difference and scalar variability to create asymmetrical carapaces. Each carapace is supported by a small group of branching vertical tubes which are suspended between clusters of horizontal bridges. The rigid backbone ties into the flexible carapace to form an integrated and structurally sound partition that seamlessly tiles and can be parametrically reconfigured according to size, program and/or use.

The form of the Platelet Partition is based on a grid and diagonal pattern (initial metric drawing) developed within the 2′ x 8′ x 8′ size limit. Though it began with a symmetrical pattern, asymmetrical regions were activated as the carapace outlines to allow for seamless tiling in the event the partition is repeated to form a larger surface. The pattern continues to guide the formation of each component of the partition assembly, including the vertical and horizontal structural system and the surface perforation on both the vertical structure and the carapaces.

Each region selected from the initial metric drawing varies in scale per component to further blur the edge of a tiled partition unit, but also to limit the appearance of smooth gradients; a condition typical of many parametrically design wall systems. The multi-layered Platelet Partition benefits from the advantages intrinsic to parametrically designed wall systems, including varied programmatic opportunities and adaptability, while avoiding the limitations imposed by a single component system.

Material and Assembly ///

The Platelet Partition weaves two materials, Alpolic ,a rigid aluminum composite panel, and high-density polyethylene (HDPE), a flexible translucent sheet good, into one structurally sound wall. Gravity loads follow vertical tubes within each carapace and are transferred into horizontal bridges attached to the flexible carapace via unfolded tabs. The load passes through the tabs, back through a different set of horizontal bridges and into another network of vertical tubes supporting a lower carapace. The clustering of horizontal bridges that fill the gap between separate vertical tube networks are the keystone of the structural system, binding the rigid structural core to the flexible carapace surface.

Each part of the partition assembly is unfolded and ready to be CNC milled. The design of the Platelet Partition allows for a certain amount of customizability. Using fewer sheets, as little as three, you can make one partition. If a client wants to increase the amount of carapaces, the structural capability of the partition, or the porosity of the wall for programmatic and/or aesthetic preference, additional material can be used.