We explored the atmospheres surrounding skin & bones and were intrigued by how membrane is able to gain structure by introducing folds which mimic bones (similarly how bones are able to appear as a membrane thereby "concealing" the skeleton); bones that are intentionally exposed as an aesthetic feature ("brutal beauty"); as well as "morphable" bones.
These trains of thought shaped our research brief, which is to design a joint type that accomodates to an organic manner of articulation, allowing movement in a free yet calculated manner. In keeping with this language, we felt that our joint type should then depart from conventional mechanical and industrial-looking joint types, into something more sensual, intimate and delicate.
We found the desired emotional qualities in skin, and thus did experimentation using various membranes as the joints, in search of a suitable material that is slightly elastic yet sturdy enough to provide some structural support and rigidity.
Joint Design
Our chosen material is 2mm vulcanised rubber, set on a graphplotter, with the holes later punched out. The final design was selected after much testing and study of the elements that affect stability, rigidity and flexibility. These three configurations were also selected after careful consideration, and optmised to enable most 3-dimensional forms.
Final Prototype
For our final prototype, we constructed a kinetic sculpture that is meant to be playful, interactive and a celebration of our joints. Created by fusing a closed surface(outer sphere) with primitive geomertry(pyramidal), this kinetic sculpture showcases how qualities of structural stability and flexibility can be controlled and achieved simultaneously, and hopes to illumine on the infinite possibilities that our joint type provides.
