Bridges Conference Helsinki, 2022 – Stefano Arrighi x Phillip C. Reiner

The experimental, speculative process 'Sea Stellation' explores deformation of polyhedra under deep sea pressure as part of the Advanced Geometries Department with Stefano Arrighi. A polyhedral deformation model deforms like a structure under deep sea pressure. This is a geometric visualization of a particular moment in a process of deforming under pressure. The deformation model can be seen to maintain its identifiable polyhedral structure whilst also deforming as if under apparent uniform pressure. The deformation model was tried in multiple configurations. The most successful configuration was selected by matching the deformed geometry to the original geometry, whilst retaining legibility. The design was 3d printed in plaster and shown at the 2022 Bridges Conference in Helsinki.

Research:
The starting geometry is the rhombic triacontahedron stellation. Deformation model was tested in several variations with uniform pressure. Selection criteria required that the deformed geometry remain identifiable as a stellation while registering visible structural stress. Selected configuration was legible and shows most of the collapse.