Surface Disclination Topology in Self-Reactive Shell Structures

This paper discusses recent developments on the geometric construction and fabrication techniques associated with large-scale surface disclinations. The basic concept of disclinations recognizes the role of “defects” in the composition of materials, the strategic placement of which shapes the material by inducing curvature from initially planar elements. By acknowledging the relationship between geometry and topology that governs disclination based form-finding and material prototyping, this work consciously explores its potential at the architectural scale. Basic geometric figures and their topological transformations are documented in the context of digital modeling and simulation, fabrication, and a specific material palette. Specifically, this work builds on recent efforts by focusing on three particular areas of investigation; a) enhancing the stability of surface disclinations with a synthetic fibrous layer, b) aggregation via periodic tilings, and c) harnessing snap-through buckling to increase bending stiffness in thin surfaces.