Tesselion : Adaptive Quadrilateral Flat Panelization

Tesselion is a project by Skylar Tibbits which proposes a system of flat panel tessellation derived from complex surfaces to enable ease in constructability and a directly evolved spatial environment through lighting, programmatic adaptation and structural simplicity. Each panel’s uniqueness is afforded by the efficiency of digital fabrication while coded parametric relationships allow an emergent structural efficiency, from a single panel to the complete adaptability of the surface as a whole.

The tessellation system for construction and surface analysis provides a case study for amplifying the architect’s role as master-builder while integrating the currently separated roles of engineer, designer, and contractor. The Tesselion system’s diversity provides an opportunity for adaptation on a variety of architectural scales and circumstances, while pushing the possibilities of digital techniques and the circumstance of the architect.

Recently the development of planar quadrilateral meshes have become a strong interest in the architectural community due to their potential ease for constructing complex surfaces. A race has begun to develop a system of flat panelization of free form surfaces which would enable large scale, efficient and economic, construction from flat sheet material.

Project Collaboration:
Marc Fornes (www.theverymany.net) Adrienne Yancone (www.diecreative.com)

Material Sponsor:
Alliance Metals (www.alliancemetals.com)

Fabrication Sponsor:
Continental Signs
(http://www.continentalsigns.net/)
Special thanks to:
Dr. Spinelli
Dr. Vini Nathan
Susan Frosten
Carol Hermann
Dr. Pastore
Jane Cespuglio
Christian Jordan
Steven Stein

Studio Support:
Scott Del Rossi
Joe DiCicco
Marc Woodcock
Ben Motyl
Trevor Horst
Brandon Kruysman
Jon Proto
Jared Laucks
Lisa Mathews
Amanda Tonetta
Jesse Vaughn
Josh Holmes
Vini Sickles
Tyler Stockholm
Schendy Kernizan
Veronica Emig