Transformable Architecture

13 Jul 2007 Category: Architecture, Features, Technology, Worldwide

Transformable Architecture

What was that? Did it just change its shape and colour when tossed in the air? Awesome! The "Switch Pitch" toy by Chuck Hoberman. © Hoberman Designs, Inc.

It moves! It transforms?! The Sphere is only one of many bizarrely transforming toys that New York-based Chuck Hoberman has developed in more than fifteen years. But he is also deeply into changing the shapes of responsive architecture. On the way to his current exhibit at the Kitakyushu Innovation Gallery, the inventor made a quick stop in Tokyo for an impressive presentation at, you guessed it, Pecha Kucha. PingMag wanted to know all about transformable architecture!

Written by Verena


To tickle your mind as you watch: “Switch Pitch” from 2004. © Hoberman Designs, Inc.

You are kind of an architectural inventor - do you come from an engineering background or are you an architect?

My original background is in fine arts and sculpture, my first university degree. At that time I was building kinetic sculptures. And as some of these designs didn’t work as well as I would have liked, that gave me the motivation to study engineering - so my second degree is in mechanical engineering. In addition, I have a master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

It started with transformable sculptures: The “expanding geodesic dome” from 1991 at the Liberty Science Center in New Jersey.

So, when did you start with the toys, like the famous Sphere or the more recent Switch Pitch?

I founded my company in 1990, originally operating out of my home. At that point, most of the commissions came from science museums to build public art there, so I was building these big spheres for them. But as science museums have a lot of visiting kids, they would look at my spheres opening up and the kids would scream and shout get very excited. So, my wife Caroline said “Maybe we should put this in a box and sell it as a toy.” And we started a company…

Then came the transforming toys: the original Hoberman “Sphere” from 1995. © Hoberman Designs, Inc.

Through the 90s this toy became hugely popular and we developed a whole line of transformable toys all based on my inventions. In 2000 we entered the Japanese market in quite a big way. Then in 2004, I decided I had so many responsibilities for the sales, the manufacturing and the marketing - and no time for innovating. So I licensed the toys and now we have Hoberman Designs for the toys and Hoberman Associates for architecture and general product development.

Close-up of the “Iris Dome’s” transforming roof for the Expo 2000, the world fair in Hannover, Germany.

And what are your architectural transformations built for?

Since 1990, my company has built a lot of projects in the realm of public art or even commercial attractions - it is a kind of architecture, like what we did for the Expo 2000 or the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City in 2002, which was really a theatrical program.


The ‘Iris Dome’ as retractable roof that opens and closes like the iris of an eye, Expo 2000 - a symbolic piece, a representation of the Frauenkirche Cathedral in Dresden, which was destroyed during World War II. Click to watch the video.

But regarding, for example, your tent shelters or the folding chair and table, you expanded the transformations with a practical environmental approach…

Only in the last four or five years it has really come into focus what the benefit, or the purpose, should be - adaptable sustainable technology: We have developed a whole series of systems for responsive shading and responsive ventilation as new methods for building facades and surfaces. It is inspired because there is an actual need for that now…

The dramatic opening ‘curtain’ at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

You mean changing weather conditions due to global warning? Interesting…


Hydraulics of the Winter Olympics installation.

Over the last year and a half, we have initiated the second part of our practise which is to collaborate with major architectural firms around the world to use our transformable technology as practical elements in buildings: Ways to make facades, roofs and spaces open, or open air respectively, and close…

I guess you are not allowed to show much of that, as it is being developed right now… So back to the Olympics, please: This beautifully transforming stage curtain! Is the dome structure mechanically driven?

The structures for the Olympics are motorised. In the case of the Expo 2000, it is driven by hydraulics with cylinders. But for both the force is provided by a computer-controlled motor, that is programmed to operate according to different conditions.


Magical opening toy: the “Brain Twist” from 2003. © Hoberman Designs, Inc.

In terms of realisation: Where and how to start with the transformations?

My specialty is in mechanism design which deals with materials and mechanics and also has an extensive mathematical basis as well, and that very much informs my approach. First comes the action, the movement, and how to adapt that fundamental action to a particular shape, form, or material.

In terms of means: You told me earlier that you started in 1985 with designing through programming, because the software tools were not available yet. Do you still use your customised programs?

Apart from our own custom software, we use open source development platforms and work with the Generative Components environment. Meaning, we are part of SmartGeometry: This is a contemporary movement that is quite important for architectural design to advance parametric design, which in a way is designing by algorithms.

Wooden portability: This foldable furniture can be carried like a briefcase. We only hope it is not too heavy…

Sounds very rational. However, your website states that you design objects that transform like natural organisms… Like what?

There is an aspect of our design practise which you can call biomimicry: It is part of the general strategy to use nature as an example to design, particularly with its performance and action. We imitate the way organisms grow or change shape or adapt themselves to different conditions. However, the transformable systems that we develop are technology and mathematically based. Basically they are a practical means to build structures or develop products that can change size and shape in order to have some structural benefit, a reason.

For instant military usage: a “rapidly deployable shelter” from 2005, commissioned by Johnson Outdoors, Eureka Tents.

By the way, your work instantly reminded me also of Theo Jansen’s walking creatures that seem to be organisms of their own…

Yes. In fact, there are several of his videos at the same exhibit at the Kitakyushu Innovation Gallery. Regarding the artistic and design side, there is a close relationship between both our works. In the point of function it is quite a different approach, because my primary goal is to adapt these design ideas for functional practical approaches. Though I do continue to make artworks. What interests me is the integration into larger programs and systems whether they are architectural or for a commercial purpose.

Responsive architecture: Adaptable sunshade development in 2006 for the Building Centre Trust in London.

Despite the mathematical basis, your transformations seem to trigger people in an emotional way, especially when they see the toys…

That’s right. The Sphere is so popular not just for one particular society or culture. Unfortunately, many of our toys are copied. Meaning, you can go to a small market town in China or anywhere else and see a copy. Sometimes it is our authentic product, sometimes it is not - but it goes into these extremely different cultures. If you go back to your previous question about nature, I think there is a psychological association of transformation and life. I guess that everybody picks up that emotional connection: When you see this special behaviour, you feel it in your body. Maybe a physiological connection because you get a sensation, a physical sensation and a mental and perceptual sensation…

Unique “Tetrahedron” at the Papagayo Children’s Interactive Museum, Tabasco, Mexico: It begins as a three-sided pyramid, or tetrahedron, that is orange. It then unfolds and expands into a twelve-pointed star, having a span of five meters. As it continues to transform, it folds into a second tetrahedron that is blue.

That is why everybody can relate to it, making it so universal.

Some of these phenomena exist in many levels, it is like with the Theo Jansen works and you react in the same way. However, the emphasis that I’m working on right now is that it is more that you have the perception through the emotional connection, then take it to the next level where it begins to offer practical benefits - where you begin to believe transformation is something useful in solving real problems…

More transformation, once again the “Iris Dome” as exhibited at MoMA New York in 1994.

“Isis Dome” 3D: In its extended state, it forms a lamella dome whose members display a pattern of interlocking spirals.

Another dome example: No matter what shape, its perimeter stays fixed.

Very true. I also would like to know: Despite your work being based on math, your approach is still a playful one, as you said. So, invention comes of play?

I don’t want to overemphasise this, but in the broad sense: yes. I think creativity and play are very closely related. You have to have a freedom of mind…

… which might be not easy if you have a deadline…

With play you don’t have the constraints. But to create something in the way that most professional people work, you play within the constraints, so the deadline is a constraint. Also, physics and material reality are constraints…


Chuck Hoberman, inventing engineer and open source software friendly architect

Generated from two spiral profiles, similar to the DNA double helix structure: “Expanding Helicoid”, permanent installation at the Inventors Hall of Fame, Akron, Ohio.

That is the exciting thing - to find new ways to play within certain constraints then?

It is exciting to work within constraints, but it is also exciting to collaborate with a team. I work now with eight: Some architects, some engineers, some designers - a mixture.

Lastly, do you like to play with your own toys?

No, not really. But all of what I do is playing, all the creativity is fundamentally play. So I basically play all the time…

Thank you, Chuck Hoberman for your awesome toy inventions! Also, we are quite eager to see your adaptable sustainable technology being realised architecturally within the next year or two!

34 Comments

  1. Truly amazing, what great ideas! I wish I had engineering skills like that! Great harmony of design and engineering.

    Posted by: Andrei Sarusi on July 13th, 2007 at 9:13 pm

  2. [...] Transformable Architecture Published July 13th, 2007 Architecture , Technology Checkout the article and movies on PingMag.com [...]

    Posted by: Transformable Architecture « Dustbowl on July 13th, 2007 at 9:27 pm

  3. Soooooo, are we really going to have architecture that can change with the enviroment? It’s a good idea, but I would like to see more research on it.

    Posted by: glyph on July 14th, 2007 at 12:57 am

  4. Very impressive … people who are able to create this kind of object are really smart !

    Posted by: James (studiosushi) on July 14th, 2007 at 1:02 am

  5. great article.
    it is intersted .
    thanks

    Posted by: kimkei on July 14th, 2007 at 6:10 am

  6. GREAT IDEA!

    Posted by: resetblog on July 14th, 2007 at 7:01 am

  7. Oh my gosh I played with those sphere things (and dropped serious cash and broke the joints) all the time. Made me so badly want to be a designer when I grew up. Very 1990’s.

    Posted by: Jason on July 14th, 2007 at 11:09 am

  8. That stuff is pretty awesome. I keep wondering where you guys keep finding all of this!

    Posted by: HDR Photography on July 14th, 2007 at 12:41 pm

  9. Yes… I did have myself a sphere when I was in school, I loved it, teachers hated it!! Mine did brake pretty quickly though…. all forgiven.

    Saw the Pecha Kucha presentation too… all good stuff!

    Posted by: SHANTELL MARTIN on July 14th, 2007 at 9:39 pm

  10. Oh, I recently gifted to a child. He was so happy, even all who just throw it in air..and magic! color changed.
    Thanks for sharing informative article.

    Posted by: Paavani on July 15th, 2007 at 2:48 am

  11. very nice article, as always…

    Posted by: bi. on July 15th, 2007 at 4:35 am

  12. Great interview! That last video is fantastic.

    Posted by: d.lang on July 15th, 2007 at 6:00 am

  13. Posted by: prognewer on July 15th, 2007 at 9:33 am

  14. [...] PingMag - Transformable Architecture It moves! It transforms?! The Sphere is only one of many bizarrely transforming toys that New York-based Chuck Hoberman has developed in more than fifteen years. (tags: design architektur kunst skulptur toys) [...]

    Posted by: Nerdcore — links for 2007-07-15 on July 16th, 2007 at 8:21 am

  15. [...] Colossal Blog Pingmag speaks to Chuck Hoberman Posted by Marcus on July 16, 2007 Pingmag speaks to Chuck Hoberman, creator of wonderful transformable toys and [...]

    Posted by: Super Colossal » Pingmag speaks to Chuck Hoberman on July 16th, 2007 at 12:57 pm

  16. We had some Hoberman toys at our workshops for participants to play with while discussing/thinking. I think I handled them the most though :D But after so many sessions they’re kinda grotty. Wish I could get new ones but no one sells them in Singapore!

    Posted by: strangeknight on July 16th, 2007 at 3:35 pm

  17. [...] Ping Mag [...]

    Posted by: Bangkok Mafia» Blog Archive » Switch Toy on July 16th, 2007 at 4:49 pm

  18. OMGZ I’m going to the toy store ASAP FYI

    Posted by: mexist on July 17th, 2007 at 10:34 am

  19. [...] Transformable Architecture “Basically they are a practical means to build structures or develop products that can change size and shape in order to have some structural benefit, a reason.” (tags: architecture transformable transform biomimicry SwitchPitch Hoberman toys sculpture technology geometry design engineering) [...]

    Posted by: this is another test » Blog Archive » links for 2007-07-17 on July 18th, 2007 at 12:17 am

  20. [...] Transformable Architecture “Basically they are a practical means to build structures or develop products that can change size and shape in order to have some structural benefit, a reason.” (tags: architecture transformable transform biomimicry SwitchPitch Hoberman toys sculpture technology geometry design engineering) [...]

    Posted by: this is another test » Blog Archive » links for 2007-07-17 on July 18th, 2007 at 12:17 am

  21. I’m actuall y playing right now with the first ball you’ve shown in this post…

    Look at this post I did a couple of weeks ago, isn’t it great :D

    Posted by: Legado on July 18th, 2007 at 2:43 am

  22. By the way, I forgot to put the link, that’s the transformable ball video link.

    http://www.dormilones.net/2007/05/27/la-bola-de-colores-de-mi-perdicion/

    Posted by: legado on July 18th, 2007 at 2:44 am

  23. [...] roof and wall elements to cater to and serve a variety of needs. During an interview with PingMag, Hoberman described his work as, “adaptable sustainable technology.” Their retractable [...]

    Posted by: Transformers: More Than Meets The Eye : Behind the Walls : sharing stories about home renovation on July 19th, 2007 at 6:38 am

  24. Amazing, I won my Switch Pitch (the same colour combo from the article) 2 month ago as a prize from Dave and Buster’s (an adult version of Chucky Cheese)…and I had no idea what it was at the time (as I didn’t see anyone else picking it). It is quite an feat having come up with that… I still can’t figure out how it works/constructed.

    Posted by: Flora on July 19th, 2007 at 1:38 pm

  25. In the lineage of our dear Bucky: http://www.bfi.org/

    Posted by: Yasmine on July 20th, 2007 at 2:55 am

  26. Excellent interview and article. Thank you so much!

    Posted by: Cati Vaucelle on July 25th, 2007 at 10:27 am

  27. magnificent, what a great post! Thanks Ping!

    Posted by: Kate Andrews on August 1st, 2007 at 4:50 am

  28. [...] PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Transformable … O conceito de transformers usado na arquitetura (tags: design architecture sculpture engineering technology geometry) [...]

    Posted by: links for 2007-07-31 | blog.ftofani.com on August 1st, 2007 at 5:22 am

  29. [...] PingMag - The Tokyo-based magazine about “Design and Making Things” » Archive » Transformable … O conceito de transformers usado na arquitetura (tags: design architecture sculpture engineering technology geometry) [...]

    Posted by: links for 2007-08-01 | pristina.org | everything design on August 1st, 2007 at 6:25 pm

  30. Hello from Germany, a few weeks ago i got in touch with the switch pitch for the first time and kept wondering who could have invented this beautiful mechanism, must be a beautiful mind as i found out now after reading this. Great compliments and respect as well. Stefan

    Posted by: Stefan on August 17th, 2007 at 8:59 pm

  31. Hey the images posted of the opening ‘curtain’ at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City look great. Are there any videos available that show it in motion?

    Posted by: c. ben on September 5th, 2007 at 2:07 pm

  32. [...] http://www.treehugger.com/files/2007/07/chuck_hoberman.php http://www.pingmag.jp/2007/07/13/transformable-architecture/ Filed under: [...]

    Posted by: n.ex.t » Blog Archive » Possible Case Studies - Iris Dome on October 4th, 2007 at 2:06 pm

  33. Japan is such a creative place

    Posted by: Travel to Okinawa on November 24th, 2007 at 5:59 am

  34. That is simply cool.

    Posted by: japan pictures on May 16th, 2009 at 8:45 am

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