Flexible Formwork and Pneumatic Casting

This project preceded my thesis and explored the nature of concrete as a material, focusing on both its physical behavior and its broader socio-economic implications in construction. The project investigated alternative methods of casting and fabrication, challenging conventional ideas of rigid concrete formwork through experimental material systems and fabrication techniques.

Throughout the semester, we explored a variety of casting methods, including traditional wood formwork, vacuum forming, 3D printing, and pneumatic systems. A major part of the research involved developing a vacuum-based flexible formwork system using rubber membranes. Different forms and deformations were placed beneath the rubber surface inside a sealed box, and when vacuum pressure was applied, the rubber deformed according to the shapes underneath it. Concrete was then poured into the flexible mold, allowing it to take on these dynamic and adaptable forms.

By experimenting with these processes, the project examined how flexible and reusable formwork systems can redefine the aesthetics, efficiency, and possibilities of concrete construction while expanding the relationship between material behavior and fabrication technology.