To Knit a Wall, knit as matrix for composite materials for architecture

This paper investigates the potential for transferring thedevelopment of advanced textiles in the garmentindustry, the medical industry and automotive industryto an architectural scale. By taking into account thedevelopment of new high performance fibres, such ashigh performance polyethylene (HPPE), para aramids(Kevlar) and carbon fibre, as well as the new industrialisedand computer controlled fabrication techniques, thispaper examines how advanced technical textiles couldoffer new architectural solutions. Discussing newcomputer aided design (CAD) solutions for developingcomplex surfaces and their material specifications, thepaper traces the findings of a series of projects under theheading Knit as Building Material. The paper asks howtextiles as a technology and a material challenges theprogrammatic and technological basis of architecturalthinking. How can the thinking of inhabitation andprogramme be challenged by the possibility of designingcomplex, bespoke and malleable surfaces? Howcan the tools of the technical textiles field interface andmeet architectural design practice?