way,
a
standard set of localised instructions, along with
a
simple custom jig, affords
a
practically
infinite
number of designs to be produced simply in
a
variety of materials that are suitable for
plastic deformation
–
those that keep their shape after having been deformed by work or heat,
like copper tubing or steel rod. It is
a
localised assembly method, like weaving; one does not need
to understand the overall design, as long as one follows the simple rules that bind part to part,
or action to action together in sequence. The jig is simply
a
single cell in the lattice. Within it is
contained all of the information needed to decode the sequential instructions. Like making
a
basket,
‘You follow the rules, and just relax ...’,2 and the pattern plays out over time, with many individual
decisions conspiring to create
a
continuous coil.
Another approach explored elastic deformation for the construction of bending-active structures
made up of thin materials with
a
high-elastic modulus-like fibre, wire or rod. In these structures,
the deformation is reversible. Like
a
fishing pole, the rod wants to remain
a
rod. Or, if forced
into an arc, it is forever trying to become
a
rod again. As we put arcs into
conflict
with other
arcs, one presses on another, which presses on another, ...
