From Bubble Clusters to Joints
A search for new tectonics through the logic of minimal surface and ephemeral geometry.
This project reimagines architectural joints through the lens of bubbles—ephemeral yet rule-bound systems that naturally seek equilibrium. Inspired by Plateau’s laws and the mathematics of minimal surfaces, it translates the fleeting beauty of soap films into durable tectonics.
Rather than designing from a static blueprint, the form emerges from behavioral patterns. Each lamella, node, and border encodes geometric intelligence derived from how bubbles minimize energy. Using aluminum casting, ceramic forms, and wax modeling, the process fuses physical experiment with digital abstraction.
Starting from bubble simulations and 3D diagramming, the system was fabricated through a hybrid workflow of Grasshopper scripting, CNC-machining, and material casting. The joints were not just connectors, but spatial negotiations—balancing lightness, strength, and porosity.
By treating the joint not as an industrial afterthought but as a generative agent, the project proposes a new syntax for assembly. These components become architectural glyphs—expressing stress, flow, and adaptation.
This is not about mimicking nature’s look, but embodying its logic. From a soap film’s shimmer to a structural frame, this project distills the fragile into the fundamental.
In 1976, physicist Joseph Plateau and mathematician Jean Taylor experimentally established Plateau’s laws, describing the equilibrium state of bubble-based polytopes. This state exhibits specific characteristics relevant to our research. Based on the pattern, I aim to simplify and create a modular assembly structure using only three ingredients: lamellas, nodes, and Plateau borders. This bio-inspired approach has the potential to revolutionize joint construction, utilizing aluminum components and enhancing strength and adaptability.
200B.C. proved that a circle minimizes the perimeter for a given area
A.D.1884 proved that a sphere has the least surface area for a given volume
Bubble clusters seek at least an area way to enclose separate several regions of prescribed volumes V1, V2…, and Vn.
I delved into the principles of bubbles as outlined in a book and proceeded to conduct a series of systematic diagram tests. These tests ranged from connecting one to four bubbles together, exploring both 2D and 3D representations and introducing diverse shapes while adhering to fundamental rules. The objective was to uncover the underlying principles governing bubble formations. These tests and analyses are instrumental in enhancing my understanding of bubble formations and will inform my design approach, enabling the development of innovative and structurally sound solutions. In essence, this methodical exploration lays the groundwork for a deeper comprehension of the governing principles of bubbles, shaping my design process.
Next Steps
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