Tangled Pellucidity

Background Tangled Pellucidity explores an innovative algorithmic design approach to surface-structure formation, involving a systematic amalgamation of organic forms, generative algorithms, topological optimisations, and fibrous morphologies. The project consists of one digital fibrous-surface prototype and a series of accompanying visualisation images that illustrate the interactive formation process. The project is part of a larger body of research developed by Jackson Bi and Ho Kyeong Kim that employs generative algorithmic design processes in advanced robotic fabrication. Contribution This research project contributes to the fields of architecture and algorithmic design by positing bottom-up morphogenetic algorithms that yield fibrous geometries from hierarchical optimised surface topologies. This approach facilitates an integrated digital workflow accentuating the fibrous nature of highly complex surfaces based on structural performance; exhibiting the volumetric fibres and the non-linear and non-indexical depths of spatial quality through translucency and colouration. The exploration extends upon the research of fibrous morphology, additive manufacturing and surface deformation at RMIT Architecture | Tectonic Formation Lab that considers morphological ornamentations between surface and fibrous through material behaviours and robotic fabrication processes. Significance The development of this algorithmic approach represents an innovative self-structured surface strategy in architectural tectonics, revealing new reinforced-surface design possibilities by demonstrating the intrinsic system between complex surface topologies and ornamental fibrous structures. This project resulted in digital prototypes, which will form a continuous research exploration in hybridised robotic fabrication. Tangled Pellucidity was selected as part of the 2023 ACADIA and CAADRIA joint exhibition ‘Habits of the Anthropocene’ at the University of Hong Kong.