Knitted Architecture

BACKGROUND: This research is contextualised within current investigations at the intersection of design, visualisation and digital possibilities for large-scale structures, adaptable to architectural application. This work specifically focuses on the creation of lightweight, complex curvature through knitted fabrications. This advances on research by a small number of architects or fashion designers at the nexus of textile design, fabrication and architecture, notably, Jenny Sabin, Phillipe Block and Iris van Herpen. CONTRIBUTION: A collaboration between Leanne Zilka and Jenny Underwood, Knitted Architecture is a garment that emerges stitch by stitch (pixel by pixel) as connected, 3-dimensional extruded tubes. As a parametric material system, it simultaneously produces surface and form. Complexity is added through changes to surface pattern (stitch, structure) and material selection. The resultant material system creates lightweight, strong, yet malleable curvature structures at architecture scale. The work elaborates whole-of-garment knitting technologies, connections between forms created, and the benefits for digitally-generated architecture of complex curvature. This contributes a method of working with non-rigid, floppy materials, engaging with knitting machines, which is uncommon among the small research cohort in this area. Results contribute to the narrow realm between the digital and the physical reality such that the digital is realised without the need for a separate phase of fabrication investigation. It reveals variables, limitations and possibilities of working across architecture and textile design. SIGNIFICANCE: The work was selected as part of the NGV exhibition contribution to Melbourne Design Week through an international call by curators and editors Paul Loh, David Leggett and Mond Qu. The exhibition was reviewed by Jane Burry (leader in digital fabrication) and Donald Bates. The work was included in the Future Prototyping book.