nelson fossey experiments with exogenous concrete molding

nelson fossey experiments with exogenous concrete molding
all images courtesy of nelson fossey

nelson fossey‘s ‘exogenous’ is an experimental process to shape concrete through a flexible and appropriable way. this mineral material is ubiquitous in our environment, as it is used in the poles carrying our buildings and the roads linking our cities. often regarded as brutal and rigid, concrete is also synonymous of malleability.

the project provides a method to implement and mold useful objects for outdoor courtyard or garden areas and design in-situ produced seatings. it is an ephemeral tool in the shape of a lasercut cardboard jig which allows variable geometry to cast material, to compel the time of solidification, and then release the massing.

laser cut cardboard template

by its lightness and fragility, economic and simple nature, cardboard is an easily editable medium. you can vary a parameter of the form so it can adapt itself to the topology of the land on which it is installed. thus, the seating is designed as a flat pattern and becomes voluminous under the action of the one who bends it and casts it. once the concrete has finished curing, the mold is removed, which generates a strong and durable piece. ‘thanks to the sharing of this technique and the use of CNC machines, the public now has access to ‘the making process’ and allows me to reconsider the designer’s role as a method thinker in order to emancipate the individual being,’ says fossey.

folding the mold from 2D to 3D

taping before molding

base template 

the two parts being molded 

20 hours later

irregularity in the concrete material 

shadow gap between the base and the seat 

final piece released 

side view of the seat 

the final product

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.