The models exhibited here are of two surfaces, respectively called "Surface of Boy" and "Closed central Model". The principle of their realization rests on one hand in the need to represent a geometrical object as exactly as possible, i.e. by accurately respecting the algebraic data resulting from the equations which define it, and to exploit certain degrees of freedom to accentuate its aesthetic qualities, even if they remain subjective. Among these degrees of freedom are the choice of the scale, the proportions and the choice of materials.
A quality extended to the surfaces generated by other families of curves starting with the conical ones like the ellipses, by using the mechanical properties of a metallic wire of piano wire type. Its elasticity results in the fact that it does not keep trace of the deformations it undergoes, provided the tension is not too important. A wire of given length subjected to constraints finds a position of balance materialized by a curve. If for example, one forces the ends to meet at a given point according to a flat angle representing four constraints, the position of equilibrium is a circle. If one can force the wire to pass by a second point of the plan of the circle and create a fifth constraint, the wire finds its balance as a plane curve which will be convex and not un-similar to an ellipse. It brings the idea to create a surface generated by ellipses using a frame on which steel wire are assembled and set to satisfy at least five conditions. As in "Surface reglees" the surface represented this way will give the impression to exist only virtually by the means of its apparent contours.
One should notice that those are stand-alone models created without screws, bolts or welding, and are entirely dismountable. One could project what a monumental construction it could become, knowing how much architecture draws from regulated surfaces. Those structures are waiting for their architect... |
