Platelet Partition

Installation : 2010

Design by OTA+ (Kory Bieg and Alexa Getting)

 

The Platelet Partition is one permutation of a multi-layered organizational system that uses material difference and scalar variability to create asymmetrical carapaces. Each carapace is supported by a small group of branching vertical tubes which are suspended between clusters of horizontal bridges. The rigid backbone ties into the flexible carapace to form an integrated and structurally sound partition that seamlessly tiles and can be parametrically reconfigured according to size, program and/or use.

The form of the Platelet Partition is based on a grid and diagonal pattern (initial metric drawing) developed within the  2’ x 8’ x 8’ size limit. Though it began with a symmetrical pattern, asymmetrical regions were activated as the carapace outlines to allow for seamless tiling in the event the partition is repeated to form a larger surface. The pattern continues to guide the formation of each component of the partition assembly, including the vertical and horizontal structural system and the surface perforation on both the vertical structure and the carapaces.

Each region selected from the initial metric drawing varies in scale per component to further blur the edge of a tiled partition unit, but also to limit the appearance of smooth gradients; a condition typical of many parametrically design wall systems. The multi-layered Platelet Partition benefits from the advantages intrinsic to parametrically designed wall systems, including varied programmatic opportunities and adaptability, while avoiding the limitations imposed by a single component system.

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