Composite Skeleton

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: Composite Skeleton is an architectural prototype designed by Roland Snooks exploring the relationship of robotic fabrication, composite materials and algorithmic design. The embedded skeleton provides the structural strength for the project while creating the prototype's expressive qualities. The translucent skin of the prototype is 0.25mm thick and provides the sheer strength of the project, while the black skeleton is 2mm thick. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: Composite Skeleton is part of Snooks' larger research trajectory to fabricate complex geometries through architectural prototypes that compress form, structure and ornament into a synthetic and irreducible whole. Its contribution resides in the architectural implications explored through Snooks' development of a technique for laminating the composite fibre's doubly curved surfaces without the use of a mould. This innovation enables the creation of complex architectural forms from composite material which were not feasible using traditional methods. This work is part of a new architectural paradigm that has developed out of complexity theory, computation and a focus on emergent phenomena. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: This work was 1 of 10 selected for the Main Exhibition of the Tallinn Architecture Biennale (TAB) at the Museum of Estonian Architecture, alongside other internationally renowned architects and researchers. TAB is an international architecture festival aiming to introduce contemporary architectural concerns and futuristic visions. Snooks also delivered a presentation on this work at the 2-day TAB symposium. The exhibition was reviewed in ArchDaily, Fold (Latvia), Euronews (France) and Design42Day magazine.