A system providing a flexible concrete mold was developed for an architectural installation. Development of a connection logic and 'alphabet' of forms were generated prior to casting in High Performance concrete. High Performance concrete has a finer mix than typical concrete, as well as 1-2 inch long metal fibers embedded in the mix. When compared to typical concrete, the resulting mix of High Performance concrete allows for thinner cross-sections of the same strength to be cast. The system operates on a set of 3 principles:
1) each module shall have 1, 2, or 3 branches
2) each module is fit into a 1.5’ x 1.5’ square
3) the modules will self-populate based on a desired height
The result is a sculptural sentence composed of a masonry alphabet attempting to challenge the typical uses of High Performance Concrete. It speaks of sitting, organizing, touching, and a fresh use for concrete. Used as a purely functional and aesthetic medium, the concrete is translated from a building material to a furniture material and consequently scaled-down to human proportions. With this brings the confrontation of its standard uses while providing the basis for new ones.
The system was exhibited at the International Contemporary Funriture Fair in New York City's Javits Convention Center.
