ntroutma- LookingOutwards- 01

I was having some difficulty finding a single work to discuss, so I thought I would bring up Sean Ahlquist’s Process2. This is a- currently in progress- series of material studies (which double as interactive sculpture) focusing on fabrics based tensile structures. Fabric is one of the oldest and most understated materials, one which is still used globally for everything from clothing (okay thats obvious) to shelters, transport, packaging, and even space exploration. Utilizing advanced digital simulations in hand with CNC knit fiber, Ahlquist has been able to rethink woven textiles, dictating the pattern and function of both synthetic and natural fibers to study spatial and physical functions of high tensile, full tension building- which is to say, a structure which is created and maintained by acting forces. Aside from sculptural implications of light and soundscape, this technology presents possibility for use in full-scale interior and exterior building systems, as well as in temporary structure.

I initially discovered this work last march after seeing some of Ahlquist’s fabricated textile work while touring the Tubman School of Architecture. I was fascinated to say the least. This later inspired me to begin investigating temporary structures, and more recently, full tension systems. This work appeals to me in both originality and in its potential to found a new branch of materials engineering in the wake of the high data intensity permitted through computational design combined with advanced production methods and fiber testing.

Below we also have a slightly outdated but still nifty interactive webpage listing some of his work, a Facebook page, and an aesthetic Instagram feed.

http://www.proces2.com
https://www.facebook.com/researchMC/
https://www.instagram.com/sean_ahlquist/