A-Chord Folding Structure
The A-Chord folding structure was developed and constructed for the World Wood Day 2015 event in İstanbul. The structure had fifty wooden struts of 4 cm X 4cm with changing heights from 200 cm to 230 cm. Two struts joined with a hinge enabled the folding motion of the structure. Thus, the nearby unit is folding in the opposite direction. The Grasshopper model generated all construction details and drawings automatically. As a result, these data enabled the revisions needed for structural experiments.
In the beginning, we studied physical models to develop the idea. We presented that study here. Then, the Grasshopper definitions we studied here were the preliminary exercise for the parametric model. It was urban furniture and a screen suitable for several functions. Therefore, it was an easily foldable, lightweight, and flexible design system. Below is the short story of its birth:
After the final decisions, we went to a woodshop to build it.
Then, it was time to start up with our carpenter Özkan,
The first footsteps…
It is ready to go now.
Getting out of the wood shop’s window into the truck and on the way to the exhibition site.
The next day was a great Wood festival. Luckily, everything went very well, the cables worked as expected. Some emergent functions out of our intentions arouse immediately. For the cats, as a selfie background, and especially as a picture frame for lovers who shoot each other from both ends.
The A-Chord folding structure stayed at the entrance of İstanbul Bilgi Universiy Faculty of Architecture for several years. Then, the fabrication lab. recycled it for future projects.
Cite this post
Related Posts
Contour-fold Structure
February 1, 2015
Euclidean constructions, when represented computationally, rely on algorithms and mathematical principles to generate geometric shapes and forms. Through precise calculations and logical operations, a computer program can emulate the actions of a compass and straightedge, constructing lines, circles, and polygons with accuracy and efficiency. These digital incarnations of Euclid’s timeless techniques enable the exploration of geometric concepts and the creation of visually captivating representations. This project is interesting because of the Euclidean construction underneath. Initially, I studied this type of…
Common-action Gardens #2
January 8, 2018
It has been nearly 2 years since we designed and produced this garden. Similar to the first version, Common-action Gardens #2 is injected in formal park layouts. We build it for recreation as garden structures with an aim to support the “preserve, sustain, and share” idea. Thus, we expect to bring people together while producing. These gardens organize sustainable models for communal living by integrating raised beds, planting holes, water bowls, compost holes, seedboxes, tool pots, niches for animals, and…
Contouring and Folding Together
March 7, 2015
This is a project proposal designed at the workshop organized together with Simge Esin Orhun and Fulya Akipek as part of the International Wood Day Exhibition in İstanbul. This time, the final Grasshopper definition is created “after” some experiments with physical models. Here is the first model showing the idea inspired by the folding chairs studied here. I realized that in order to make a “wall” instead of a chair, it would be a good idea to extend the edges of the…
Calatrava Door
May 12, 2023
Santiago Calatrava, a celebrated Spanish architect, structural engineer, sculptor, and painter, is renowned worldwide for his groundbreaking and futuristic designs, which frequently fuse architecture with engineering and artistry. Among his many notable works is the door design at Ernsting Warehouse in Coesfeld, Germany, constructed in 1985. I call this Calatrava Door because this design showcases Calatrava’s keen sense of functionality and geometry, with aluminum slats arranged vertically and connected along a curved line using hinges. When you raise the frame,…
Common-action Gardens #1
August 8, 2017
COMMON action GARDENS I is an urban garden structure that is exhibited and still in use in Karaalioglu Park as part of the 3rd Architecture Biennial Programme in Antalya. These structures are injected in formal park layouts as edible gardens whose aim is to support the “preserve, sustain, and share” concept and to bring people together while producing. These gardens organize sustainable models for living by integrating raised beds, planting holes, water bowls, compost holes, seedboxes, tool pots, niches for…