The Woven Contrast

02 / COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN · PROJECT 03

THE WOVEN
CONTRAST

LOCATION

PLAÇA DEL REI, BARCELONA

MATERIAL

ASH TIMBER · CORTEN STEEL

YEAR

2025

PROGRAM

MAA01

SCROLL

CONCEPT

ALGORITHMIC
VOLUMETRIC
WEAVE

The Woven Contrast explores algorithmic generation of complex, recursive geometries inspired by the physical constraints of steam-bent timber. Rather than creating a surface, the design develops a volumetric weave — a spatial structure where material, geometry, and craft converge.

Situated at Plaça del Rei in Barcelona's medieval core, the pavilion creates a dialogue between ancient stone and contemporary fabrication — Corten steel nodes anchoring steamed Ash timber strips that wind through space in continuous, uninterrupted flow.

VOLUMETRIC WEAVE — OVERVIEW

VOLUMETRIC WEAVE — OVERVIEW

STRIP GEOMETRY DETAIL

STRIP GEOMETRY DETAIL

JOINERY + MATERIAL

JOINERY + MATERIAL

METHODOLOGY

FIVE
PHASES

01

SPINAL CURVE

Generation of the primary guiding curve — the backbone from which all perpendicular geometry is derived.

02

PERPENDICULAR ARCS

Distribution of perpendicular arc families along the spinal curve, establishing the woven rhythm.

03

STRIP LINES

Strip line creation manages data trees for continuous geometric flow, avoiding sharp transitions in winding surfaces.

04

PANELISATION

Surface panelization using Relative Item components for weave logic ensuring seamless continuity across the form.

05

JOINERY DETAILING

Transition from polyline to interpolated geometry; CNC-ready connections between Ash timber and Corten steel nodes.

TEAM

Nikos Kalaitzidis

Sejin Park

FACULTY

Akshay Madapura

Shrey Kapur

Yuvraj Shirke

PROJECT DETAILS

PROGRAMMAA01 — Computational Design Sem. I (Level 2)
INSTITUTIONIAAC, Barcelona
LOCATIONPlaça del Rei, Barcelona
MATERIALSSteam-bent Ash timber · Corten steel
TOOLSGrasshopper · Karamba3D
YEAR2025 — 2026
READ ON IAAC BLOG ↗← ALL PROJECTS