Pillow Forming

Recent decades have seen the development of increasingly powerful digital modeling and fabrication tools applied to the creation of molds or formwork for cast or formed materials. Many of these processes are highly customizable but resource intensive, singular in geometry, and disposable. This paper introduces pillow forming as a customizable, reusable forming system aimed at minimizing the resource intensity of construction and capable of producing both standardized and unique curved molded panels. The apparatus consists of a field of pneumatic pillows that inflate to form a complex curved surface with which various materials can be formed or cast. The design and construction of the system is discussed, including the modular inflation system, pneumatic and electronic control systems, control software run through Rhinoceros, Grasshopper, and Arduino, as well as the standard operation procedure. The system is demonstrated through the production of Homegrown, an architectural installation built of pillow formed biomaterial aggregate. Various limitations and opportunities of the system are discussed and analyzed, and opportunities for future development and applications in sustainable construction are posited.