(Archi)textiles partitions : design specifications for reuse after deconstruction

Abstract

The use of membranes in the interior of buildings, particularly on their wide application possibilities as lightweight and innovative partitions systems, is not a major architectural concern. But membranes can contribute to different types of space partitioning in: housing, offices, hospitals, sports facilities, etc., in other words, in all occasions where spatial flexibility and reversibility are essential. This paper presents the result from a research project oriented to the concept and an adjustable partition system – which acronym is AdJustMembrane. This papper intends to communicate the result of the project AdJustMembrane. It presents the design and construction technology processes and potentials explored with architectural membranes in the conception and construction of non-load bearing partition walls. Some solutions available on the market were analysed from the design and building technology poit of view. Interior conventional partitions have significant cost and environmental impacts in a house and do not allow flexibility in the use of the space. Textile partitions promote modular, reversible (without use of permanent fixations or glue), and ease construction and deconstruction design specifications to achieve less environmental impacts and increase flexibility. The aim of this paper is to present some design specifications in the conception of textile partitions, to reuse after deconstruction.