Displayed at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles is an experimental carbon fiber pavilion entitled Textile Room. The designer, architectural practice, P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S, is a progressive firm, pushing boundaries in ultra-light-weight, high-tech materials and immersive media.
The Textile Room is a crystal-shaped object that blurs the lines between hard and soft, tactile and tectonic, intimate and public. By partnering with high-performance sail-makers, North Sails, P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S was able to develop a custom carbon fiber surface layered and patterned through robotic manufacturing. Spina and Huljich worked closely with North Sails’ Flexible Composite division to develop and refine the properties of this ultra-lightweight and tension-resistant material.
Going an extra level, the pavilion also incorporates dense and shimmering environmental effects through video projection. The projections interact with the material properties of the carbon fiber’s weaves and tapes. Upon entering the space, it is like an event, deeply engaging on a multi-sensory level.
Although experimental, The Textile Room gives us a glimpse into what structures and surfaces of the future might be. The carbon fiber construction offers a high strength to weight ratio, it is light weight (lesser than steel or even aluminum) and offers application flexibility.
Architect: P-A-T-T-E-R-N-S / Marcelo Spina & Georgina Huljich
Project Architect: Daniele Profeta
Design Team: Matthew Kendall, Robert Panossian, Ashley Sholder, Viola Ago, Mike Wang, Jeff Giuducci, Harrison Steimbuch, Andrew Choi
Media Projection: Casey Reas / CB Reas Studio
Advanced Material Manufacturing: Bill Pearson / North Sails
Structural Engineering: Matthew Melnyk / Nous Engineering
Structure Fabrication: Tortoise Industries
Photography and Video: Monica Nouwens
Allison has had a lifelong interest in multiple facets of design. Growing up between a sewing machine and a sketch pad, she went on to fine-tune her skills through studies in fine arts and fashion design. Upon entering the design/build industry, she continuously researches trends in various markets, including retail, hospitality, exhibitory/events, interiors and architecture in order to provide valuable educational and inspirational resources to clients.
Allison has had a lifelong interest in multiple facets of design. Growing up between a sewing machine and a sketch pad, she went on to fine-tune her skills through studies in fine arts and fashion design. Upon entering the design/build industry, she continuously researches trends in various markets, including retail, hospitality, exhibitory/events, interiors and architecture in order to provide valuable educational and inspirational resources to clients.
Allison has had a lifelong interest in multiple facets of design. Growing up between a sewing machine and a sketch pad, she went on to fine-tune her skills through studies in fine arts and fashion design. Upon entering the design/build industry, she continuously researches trends in various markets, including retail, hospitality, exhibitory/events, interiors and architecture in order to provide valuable educational and inspirational resources to clients.