Pleats & Folds: An Exploration of the Metamorphosis of Architecture and Atmosphere

Abstract

This thesis seeks to create transient architecture using origami pleating and folding techniques, exploring materials that enable geometric folded form to bestride softness and rigidity. It investigates how the kinetics of these pleated elements can be utilised to create continuously evolving architecture through model making. By doing so, this thesis aims to concurrently reveal a metamorphosis of atmosphere centring on the haptic senses. It asks: How might the process of model making reveal unanticipated ways to harness the kinetic, structural, and haptic potentials of pleats to create architecture and enhance its social experience? The purpose of this movement is explored in two ways. One responds to nature’s shifting elements; sun, wind, and rain act as the catalyst for transformation, allowing for manipulation of light and shadow or protection/ exposure to the elements. The second responds to people; occupant movement through space instigates architectural transformation to create intimacy or an unfolding of public space, or changing needs prompt assemblage of momentary structure. The tactility and fluidity of these geometries are explored in various materials, including textiles, with architectural translation and structural potential subsequently tested. Design investigation is carried out via iterative making of pleated models and forms throughout four stages. Auckland Art Gallery Toi O Tamaki is used to implement design interventions Frame and Frameless, employing pleats and folds to create interactive architecture that morphs, grows, and contracts or assembles and disassembles in response to needs over time. Each proposition demonstrates the bounds of this architectural method; frame constraints untether movement restrictions, whereas frameless construction limits movement capacity. The model output throughout this thesis reinforces the value of making to explore and communicate thought whilst utilising the ambiguity of unfinished models to further design development. Within each phase, model making has uncovered the breadth of possibilities of the pleated surface and its ability to enhance atmosphere, generate drastic movement or shimmering restraint, embellish structure and self-support. It is not the outcome but the process of pleating and folding that is critical to generating atmosphere and personal connection to the architecture we occupy.