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3D Manipulable Building Skin.
It started with a literature review to the structural behavior and the built of the structure of human skin. The properties, which were found, were translated to the principles of construction with model studies. Afterward 3D digital models of the designed structure were made and structurally researched.
Literature Review.
In the literature review, three layers of human skin can be discerned. Human skin consists of the hypodermis, the dermis and the epidermis (first figure). The epidermis and the hypodermis are nothing more than the top protection layer and the below protecting layer which mainly consists of fat cells. The dermis has totally different properties and consists of structural materials. These materials are the collagen and elastin fibers and the extra cellular matrix. The properties of these microscopical sized strings are totally different. The elastin fibers are very elastic and the collagen fibers are very stiff. When the skin is stretched, the elastin fibers will take the first strain and elongate. The collagen fibers have a curved pattern in the dermis and will be stretched till they lay straight. When they lay straight, they stop the elongation by their stiffness (second figure). As an example, the disease of "diminished collagen cross-link", is known for to much elasticity for missing the ultimate strength of the collagen fibers (figure 3). The elastin fibers take care of reforming the skin in its original shape. The elastin fibers are always pre-stressed.
The structure of the two types of fibers has a good cooperation, but this is only established by the fluids that lay in between. These fluids are known as the extra cellular matrix. In this matrix are cells which are capable of attraction and detraction of the fluids by magnetism. For example when you push your finger on your skin, you'll see the fluids move away, but when you'll take your finger away the fluids return just as fast. This matrix takes care of keeping the elastin and collagen fibers in place for deformations and forces. This is the equilibrium of human skin.
Translation and Design .
The structure in human skin is chaotic and has no order. To use the principle in construction, the translation needed ordening and a ritmic, repeating structure. I discovered a ritme that has much incommen with a weaving pattern by model studies. By some ingenious changes by analyses, the structure has a beter equilibrium than human skin. The structure can be produced easily at low cost, has very good insulation properties and many advantages for architectural expression. The most important in this stadium is that it finds its equilibrium easily and fast in different shapes.
© Alexander Suma
Graduation Project (03/07)
Master Projects:
Human Tissue Inc. (11/05)
Passages (03/05)
Twisted Life (06/04)
Swim Stadium(03/04)
ToyHouse (11/03)
Other Projects:
Relax and Meet (03/07)
Spinning Views (04/06)
Beer Crate Bridge (06/05)