This studio was based on the basic properties of elastoplasticity embedded in the materials. The understanding of the material limits and the transition of elastic properties of the material to plastic under a certain condition, was the key learning outcome leading to further design intervention.

By staying within the elastic limits, the materials offer a reversible behaviour, capable of responding to certain conditions over time and returning to their original state. In contrast, once these limits have been passed, materials plasticize and their morphological state is irreversible.

In this studio students looked at elastic materials with regards to elastoplastic properties and through an intense investigation, they experimented and documented the morphological changes and the material behaviour within a systematic design approach.

By introducing geometrical and scale conditions, students immediately started incorporating behavioural complexity, so as to discover the potential intrinsic properties and performance of their design research. The aim of this workshop was open a range of strong opportunities which will be developed in regards to specific site conditions resulting in Urban machines being created. For instance, a specific input may get a spontaneous response from the system (elastic response), which when repeated begins to plasticize and therefor results in a permanent imprint.
Students will end up developing 1:1 prototypes that encompass the research during the 2 week workshop.

http://tehran.aaschool.ac.uk/gallery/