Parametric Translations is a 15m generative textile pattern that starts from a simple input geometry and can be read from one end to another, translating the potential in algorithm-aided design methods into something visually tangible.

YEAR: 2018
FILED UNDER: ACADEMIC, AALTO UNIVERSITY
CO-AUTHOR: HYOEUN PARK
EXHIBITED: TEKSTIILI18 / MAY 2018, KAAPELITEHDAS, HELSINKI FINLAND
PHOTOS: EEVA SUORLAHTI

 TAGS:
#TEXTILES, #EXPERIMENTAL TEXTILES, #PATTERNS, #GENERATIVE DESIGN, #ALGORITHM-AIDED DESIGN, #PARAMETRIC DESIGN, #CREATIVE CODING, #DIGITAL FUTURES, #COMPOSITIONS

Inspired by the transformative nature of M.C. Escher’s Metamorphosis series, this work explores how rudimentary, basic shapes can evolve and mature into complex compositions through the subtle adjustment of various parameters.

Our patterns were designed and built in Grasshopper, the parametric modeling plug-in for Rhino. Here in Grasshopper as a form of creative exploration, we studied and built a variety of different functions that could manifest into these complex compositions out of a simple input geometry, such as a triangle or a polyline.

Thereafter, we plotted these patterns at full scale to not only get a sense for density and repetitions, but also assess how might we combine two or more patterns together. Our aim was to develop a pattern where the starting input geometry is deceptively simple and vastly different on both ends, leaving a playful element of surprise as one follows the pattern to see how it evolves.

 As a final step, we printed the patterns onto various textiles to test how well the details of the patterns would show across the different mediums. In the exhibition, the final pattern was printed onto a translucent, fire retardant fabric, having been a computationally expensive challenge in itself to package a 15m long vector file for production.

Close-ups of the eventual pattern from different segments. The piece was exhibited at Tekstiili, a bi-annual exhibition that centers on experimentation and textile futures and is now hung at the Aalto University campus.