Knit Casting

[2020-2022]

Knit Casting explores the use of bespoke Computer Numeric Controlled (CNC) manufactured knits to produce volumetric textile formwork for casting glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC). As a collaboration between experts in architecture, textile fabrication, and civil engineering, the research investigates multi-material, functionally-graded knit formwork as a fully seamless system to cast concrete. The research is comprised of design and manufacturing of customized CNC knitted formwork, working with limitations and parameters inherent to industrial knitting processes as well as concrete casting techniques which required rheological calibration. There are four different typologies developed: the diagrid, drupelet, aperatures, and 3D funnel shell.

Knit Casting is generously supported through the Prototyping Tomorrow Grant Initiative from Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Michigan, as well as a Small Project Grant from the University of Michigan Office of Research (UMOR).

[OPTIMIZATION]

Technical Knitting: Tracey Weisman

Non-Taubman Faculty: Evgueni Filipov – University of Michigan, Civil & Environmental Engineering

Research Assistants: Mackenzie Bruce, Gabrielle Clune, Jeffrey Richmond