Composite Tectonics: Exploring the Interplay Between Presence & Absence

New technologies and manufacturing processes are reorienting architecture towards its origins as a material practice. The new materiality refers to a design philosophy oriented towards the intrinsic properties of matter, which can be actualized to produce novel design outcomes. Architects are able to develop new materials that express a wide range of properties, tendencies, and capacities, but there is little to no practical knowledge concerning construction applications for these new materials. This has given rise to an alternative theoretical foundation for architecture grounded in the new tectonics, where the assembly of discreet elements via mechanical joints is replaced by construction techniques based on chemical fusions and influenced by organic processes. This thesis is organized around material exploration of a novel material to determine how it can produce rich material effects in architecture. It focuses on the construction applications of a water-soluble bioplastic material suitable for use as a formwork for poured concrete. The process developed takes inspiration from weaving and textile production to create distinct material effects. This research shows how novel material effects and innovative building techniques can develop through a focus on materiality, and it contributes to the development of knowledge concerning the intrinsic properties of novel and conventional materials usable in the design process.