material metamorphosis

an interactive installation exhibited at the shenzhen-hongkong biënnale on architecture+urbanism,
on the theme of 'city of renewal and regeneration'
08 december 2007 - 09 march 2008

the installation revolves around shape_memory_polymer, an advanced material having the ability to transform on the introduction of a catalyst such as heat. the smp can be manipulated into another form, which will remain until such time as it is stimulated again, whence it reverts to its original form. this process of alteration can take place ad infinitum, each time the material is stimulated by way of a catalyst.

here the original form of the smp is a flat rectangle. when the heating device is turned on, the nozzle discharges hot air inside the plexi box, and after a few minutes the smp becomes malleable. visitors are invited to insert their hand into the box and to contort the smp to their liking. once this is done, the smp will retain its new form until such time as it is heated again, when it will duly become flat. if left to cool it will remain flat; if reheated it can be manipulated once again. this process can be repeated as often as desired.

special thanks to
www . crg-industries . com
for supplying the smp.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• interactive
• installation;
• exhibition;
• biennial;
• advanced
• material;
• smart
• memory
• material