Week 7

Architecture Influenced by Fashion

Fashion can influence the form of architecture.  Buildings can be pleated/folded, woven, draped, etc.

The Taichung Convention Center design by MAD is an example of a pleated building. 

"This project is conceived as a continuous weave of architecture and landscape, a futuristic vision based on a naturalistic spirit." " The project’s billowing skin is a high-tech, eco-friendly pleated skin system.  The envelope provides enough air flow through the building to naturally ventilate the spaces, and the pleating integrates a double photovoltaic glass that will reduce energy consumption levels.  The materiality of the “eco-skin” changes as one side is transparent to allow light to penetrate the interiors, while the other side is solid." (MAD)


Clothing/textile terms are used to describe the design and pleating influenced the forms, flexible skin, and interior space.  Issey Miyake's Shell Knit Coat inspired the pleating and the way the pleats are varied to drape the skin over the mountain forms and blend into the surrounding landscape.

 The buildings look like accordion pleated skirts....

 ....and the pleating of oriental fans (a fashion accessory) and paper folding both of which also cultural.












The Kukje Gallery by SO-IL is an example of a draped, or veiled, building.

Considering the diagrammatic box geometry too rigid within the historic fabric, SO–IL enveloped the building in a mesh veil, creating a nebulous exterior that changes appearance as visitors move through the site. Chainmail is rigid, as it is made out of metal, and it has a fabric-like flexibility, due to the way the rings interlink. These combined qualities offer the possibility to create a strong skin that can adapt itself to the contour of any individual body and shape. (SO-IL)

Clothing/textile terms are also used to describe this building and the choice of draping material was based on ancient chain mail armor and its ability to drape to the contours of the wearers body.  It also functions as a veil creating an softened/ambiguous boundary and space between the material and the shapes of the building.

Fashion inspired by architecture.  The influence goes the other way as well.