joseph sarafian & ron culver explore concrete casting with fabric forms

joseph sarafian & ron culver explore concrete casting with fabric forms
all images courtesy of joseph sarafian, ron culver 

designers joseph sarafian and ron culver, following a technology seminar with julia koerner, took their new found knowledge and applied it to an experimental project, ‘fabric forms’. the work questions conventional casting methods, which requires a static mould to be made for the repetition of each part. utilizing two 6-axis kuka robots and fabric lycra sleeves, the duo developed a method that’s enables quick prototyping of various parametric geometries.

concrete forms 

following pouring the fabric sleeve is stripped away, and the robot can be re-oriented to accommodate the following parameters. once cast, pieces are connected using a 3D printed node and bolt. ‘fabric forms’ is an ongoing project by sarafian and culver. currently, the duo is attempting to enlarge the technique to achieve building-scale elements such as façades and architectural structure. sarafian and culver give special thanks for continuous help and direction from julia koerner and peter vikar at UCLA. 

‘fabric forms’ 

connection detail 

‘fabric forms’ 

3D simulation diagram 

concrete connection 

rhino diagram 

robotic movement

casting diagram 

production 

casting process

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions  feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: nick brink | designboom