Actuated Textile Hybrids: Textile smocking for designing dynamic force equilibria in membrane structures

his paper introduces Actuated Textile Hybrids, and describes the steps needed to steer the form finding processes necessary for their production. The method presented employs an integration of an "activated" instead of a pre-stressed textile membrane to design different stages of force equilibrium within the Hybrid Structure, and to investigate the potentials of ever flexible shaping of tensile elements. The set-up for the Textile Hybrid consists of three main elements which are digitally and physically analysed in their inextricable interdependence in force, form and material. Together, the bending active beam (rod), the textile membrane and an applied pattern which actively shrinks surface areas of the membrane (activation), create the base for the form finding process.With advanced Finite Element Modelling software and the architects resulting ability to engineer responsive building-systems for a dynamic environment, it is essential to rethink the construction methods and the building-material of the classic building envelope. This is to not only develop a smartly engineered sustainable skin but also a boundary object which, due to its adaptation, develops the potential to interconnect with its surrounding to re-establish the relationships between nature, home and inhabitant.