The Womb

@ Aarhus Arkitektskolen

2017

A small-scale architectural intervention built in the courtyard of the Arkitektskolen in Aarhus, Denmark. “The womb” distorts the conception of personal space of two occupants. Two textile chambers create a false sense of privacy and safety. However, once two bodies lean back on the textile seat, they perceive their proximity through feeling each other’s weight; the sense of personal space is first constructed, and then deliberately destroyed. Developed with Nanna Nielsen, Sophie Hutchinson and David Westervik.

Design process combined 1:1 scale experiments with body positioning together with modeling.

Early form sketches.

1:20 scale model.

Axonometric view of parts - a wood frame is put on adjustable metal feet, a plywood +foam floor is attached to the frame, steel cables are used to counteract wracking, and two stretchy nylon textiles were suspended within the wood cage. Model to predict textile behavior & pattern generated using Grasshopper.

Key detail - the connection between the wood frame and the textile chambers. A system of washers and grommets holds the "pinch point" of the textile in place.

Key detail in action.

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