Further research on the material

Previously, we ended up our exploration on foam. After discussion we have found that it's not suitable material to use in the pavilion - it's flammable, not recyclable etc. During free time we made further exploration on materials.
Firslty we thought about silicones. We did some experiments with different kind of them.

1) Silicone dentist paste

making a "paste"

stick the "paste" onto the model

take off the model

This material doesn't need any additional support. But there are several disadvantages: it can break quite easily, the final apperance is not satysfying. 

2) Fluid silicone

mixing the two fluids 

stick it onto the wall

take it off 

This silicone worked better-because of its fluidity in the first stage, we can obtain more complicated shape. It's also more flexible and rigid, but in the makro scale it needs a support construction. 

There is also one big disadvantage of using silicone in makro scale, this material is also not recyclable. So, we made another research.

We found out three materials which are working in makro scale and can create differents shapes.

Bioplastic, fungus and gelatine/agar-agar.

Insired by those we made our pavilion manifesto. 

The architecture object can be alive and function like a living creature. The biological space is self-creating spatial systems. Using the bio-active materials we can create spaces. The polimeric layer is the spatial border, structural border and the same it constitute a kind of "soil". On its surface is possible to grow plant organizms. 

"Nature doesn't need to use additional forces. Nature use itself."

First material is fungus. There are already several exaples of using it.

https://www.vice.com/fr/article/le-champignon-le-plastique-du-futur-110#hxMGczdzqq0kmGS31LEeU_Qv4cFhRRep

Second one is bioplastic. "A bioplastic is a type of plastic that can be made from plant starches or gelatins/agars. They are better for the environment because they are not derived from petroleum. They can also be easily made at home by combining the proper amounts of ingredients and heating them on the stove. The solution can then be removed from the heat and molded into whatever shape you would like."

Gather the necessary materials. To make this type of bioplastic, you will need cornstarch, distilled water, glycerol, white vinegar, a stove, a saucepan, a silicone spatula, and food coloring (if desired). These items should be readily available at the grocery store or online. Glycerol is also called glycerine, so try searching for that if you’re having trouble finding glycerol. The following amounts of each ingredient are needed to make the bioplastic:

• 10ml distilled water
• 0.5-1.5g glycerol
• 1.5g cornstarch
• 1ml of white vinegar
• 1-2 drops food coloring

Combine all of the ingredients and stir together. Add all of the ingredients to the saucepan and stir to combine with the spatula. Stir until you get rid of most of the lumps in the mixture. At this stage, the mixture will be a milky white color and quite watery.

Heat on medium-low. Place the saucepan on the stove and set the heat to medium-low. Stir continuously as the mixture heats. Bring it to a gentle boil. As the mixture heats, it will become more translucent and begin to thicken.^[5]

• Remove the mixture from the heat when it becomes clear and thick.
• Total heating time will be around 10-15 minutes.
• Lumps may begin to form if the mixture gets overheated.
• Add one-two drops of food coloring at this stage, if you would like to color the plastic.

Pour the mixture onto foil or parchment paper. Spread the heated mixture onto a piece of foil or parchment paper to let it cool. If you would like to mold the plastic into a shape, it must be done while it is still warm. See the last method for details on molding the plastic.

• Remove any bubbles that you see by poking them with a toothpick.

Allow the plastic to dry for at least two days. It will take time for the plastic to dry and harden. As it cools, it will begin to dry out. Depending on the thickness of the plastic, it can take longer for it to dry. If you make one small thick piece it will take longer to dry than a thinner larger piece.^[6]

• Leave the plastic in a cool, dry place for this process.
• Check the plastic after two days to see if it has fully hardened.

Source: here

The last one is gelatin or agar-agar. Gelatine is natural protein substance hydrolysed from the collagen in the bones and cartilage of animals. Dissolved with water it transforms into gel. Gelatine in commonly used in the food industry. Agar is also a gelatinous substance obtained from red algae. It is also commonly used as a neutral nutrient medium for the growth of bacteria in microbiological labs.