Knitted Inflatables
2019
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Sean Ahlquist Tracey Weisman
Built
TPU, Yarns
Taubman College University of Michigan
ARCH 600 Independent Study
Conducted an independent study as part of a confidential teaching collaboration involving faculty, engineering students, and industry partners to explore innovative knitting design processes for pneumatic forms and systems. Developed programming skills and managed operations for a CNC knitting machine, while engaging in material exploration and structural testing with mechanical engineering students. Investigated design opportunities through a knitting-focused approach, advancing inflatable knitting methods under an industry-informed design process.
Rhino, SpringFORM1 STOLL CMS 822 3D Knitting Machine
© Ruxin Xie
This independent study centers on a teaching collaboration with Prof. Sean Ahlquist, engineering faculty and students, and industry engineers, aimed at pioneering knitting-based design processes for creating innovative pneumatic forms and systems. The study includes (a) developing programming and operational skills for the CNC knitting machine and (b) conducting material exploration and structural testing with mechanical engineering students. Through a knitting-centric approach, this project advances inflatable knitting methods within a practical design framework, informed by direct industry insights from our collaborators.
© Ruxin Xie
© Unknown Artist
© Unknown Artist
© Unknown Artist
© Unknown Artist