Gereh-S?z?: (lit. “making knot”), a form of geometric interlaced strap-work ornament that is commonly found in architecture and the minor arts throughout the Islamic world. In Persian Islamic architecture gereh-s?z? designs exist in a variety of media, particularly cut brickwork (bann???), stucco, and cut tile work (mosaic faïence).

DIGITAL KNOT – Temporary Praying Shelter

The Digital Knot workshop was developed in the city of Isfahan, Iran in the course of seven days. The aim of the workshop was to reinterpret the Islamic motifs in two scales/scenarios. From reconceiving the perception of depths in geometrical patterns to rethinking the materialization of space. The course led by IaaC Computational Designer Rodrigo Aguirre, built/made/installed a 1:1 modular system prototype that translates Iranian use of patterns for digital manufacturing in an architectural scale.

Workshop participants at work

The main tool for the workshop was CNC milling. Each team designed and create their own geometric pattern that later was manufactured on plywood boards with 25mm thickness. By subtracting material from octagonal panels, students explored different design strategies to create motifs with many textures and porosities.

With the help of Rhinoceros and Grasshopper participants were able to learn form finding techniques and computational simulations (Kangaroo) for design and digital manufacturing optimization.

The geometric patterns manufactured on plywood boards

Each group presented a project proposal of a temporary praying shelter, to be placed in a local park. The challenge considered religious traditions and design strategies, that could be adapted to shells structural systems and expressed the understanding of parametric panelization.