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DISCOVERING STRUCTURE AS A SOURCE FOR DESIGN
Defining structure. Natural structures. Man-made structures. Increasing awareness of structure in the environment.
Cactus Form 1 (height 58cm). Tall three-dimensional work constructed from heavy cords wrapped with space-dyed cotton threads, based on drawings of dried cacti shown later on 1 and 2. For method of construction see Chapter 5.
Pen and wash drawings investigating organic structure from various sources, including eroded stones, rock, cross-section of bone and cell structures.
ORGANIC OR NATURAL STRUCTURE
‘Structure can be defined in a number of ways, but it is generally accepted that the term refers to the framework or constituent parts or elements making up an object. It also refers to the way in which these parts are put together and connected, determining the particular nature, character and shape of the object.’
The Shorter Oxford English Dictionary
There has been a great deal of study into, and writing on, the theory and science of structure which, while interesting, is not essential reading for the purposes of this book. Here we are only beginning to explore structure in a general way as an aid to the creation of stitched textiles. However, more in-depth research might be needed if you wished to develop very complex work, particularly if you are thinking of making large-scale standing structures. Size in relation to the strength and weight of the materials used would need careful consideration. At this stage, however, we are predominately concerned with discovering the visual impact and inspirational qualities of structure in its broader sense. Whatever its form, every living, growing thing around us has some kind of structure that affects its appearance and determines its shape, size, strength and character. The structure of some objects is immediately recognizable, being on the exterior or surface, while less obvious interior structures are hidden and, therefore, are more difficult to discover. Outwardly, for example, the human body seems to be made from muscle and flesh, but our shape, strength and ability to stand and move is largely dependent upon the concealed bony skeleton that supports the muscles and soft tissue and also protects the inner organs. By contrast, some creatures, such as shellfish, turtles and insects, have a bold, protective outer shell or carapace instead of an interior skeleton. You will be able to think of many more examples of both surface and interior structures in the things you see around you.
Essentially, the structure – the way in which the elements relate, conjoin and shape an entity – is entirely practical in order to give strength, flexibility and protection. Its structure enables an object to exist and hold intact against whatever forces and dangers may affect it in its environment.
Organic structures – interior or exterior – although primarily practical, can also be very decorative and intriguing in their form, construction and coloration. Often, exterior decoration serves a practical purpose too, perhaps to attract a mate, or for the benefit of camouflage. The complexity and variety of structures within nature can supply us with almost unlimited information and inspiration, providing compelling scope for interesting design. Some structures, when examined closely, seem impossibly delicate but, in fact, because of the way in which their elements, (often including a framework of lines) are organized, linked and overlapped, together with the way they function in their environment, the fineness and lightness we see belies their strength. Examples of this type of structure are cobwebs and the inner lacy construction of bones. In fact, many fascinating structures, such as cells and other biological organisms, are so minute and fine that they are completely invisible to the naked eye and only become apparent through magnification. Nevertheless, some of these forms provide very beautiful and exciting starting points for stitch.
Three drawings of simply constructed fences showing geometrical strength in man-made structures.
FURTHER WORK: YOU COULD...
Begin by looking around and making yourself aware of organic or natural structures. These could include:
Plant stems (outside and cross sections); trees (the whole branching shape; details of tree bark, roots, etc.); the skin and scales of different animals, e.g. insects, fish and snakes; shells; cell structures; crystals and minerals; nests; webs, fruits and seeds (outside and in cross section), skeletal structures and rocks (surface details and whole formations).
BUILT OR MAN-MADE STRUCTURES
From earliest times, human beings have studied, learned and drawn from the strength and variety in natural structures in order to help them create and develop the kind of practical and robust structures needed for their own use. Initially, the priority was to provide protection and shelter and simply sustain existence but, subsequently, the same principles were applied to both buildings and other structures with more complex and varied functions. In architecture, for example, simple timber frames using trees and branches were used firstly to support soft building materials such as straw, twigs, leaves and mud to make basic shelters. Later, as building became more advanced, timber frames, still reflecting and imitating the original strong growth structure of trees, were used to support hard materials such as stone and fired clay bricks. It is thought that similar structural knowledge of trees was employed in the construction of the pillars and arches supporting mighty cathedrals built entirely from stone.
Many other examples exist that show natural structures inspiring man-made ones.
MAN MADE
By studying how structure works in nature, people have been able to understand how fragile, lightweight structures can have enormous strength and durability. In his book Origins of Form, Christopher Williams has written:
Structure is the way to achieve the most strength from the least material through the most appropriate arrangement of elements within the form for the intended use…
Man-made Structure. Pen, brush and ink drawing illustrating simple geometric forms, seen from above, in Pueblo ruins, Arizona.
He also emphasizes the importance of economy in structure, arguing that you cannot necessarily make something strong by building mass or volume. Birds’ wings are a very good example: without economy in the structure of the wing, the bird could not fly because it would be too heavy. Similarly, the aeroplane, developed originally from the study of flight in birds, uses economy of structure together with increasing structural knowledge of metals, to create strength and lightness relative to size.
SQUARES OR TRIANGLES
We are surrounded by man-made structures, ranging from the simplest to highly sophisticated examples of structural engineering, many of which have their earliest roots in Man’s ability to observe and learn from nature which are the strongest shapes and to understand the way in which the elements in organic forms join and hold together. Christopher Williams points out that man-made structures are often composed of a simplification of the forms found in nature: circles and domes, squares, rectangles and triangles, the most common being the triangle. It is repeated many times in both natural and man-made structures because of its basic stability.
Drawings from shells and rocks showing squares and rectangles in nature.
Drawings from rocks and rock strata showing triangles in nature.
FURTHER WORK: YOU COULD...
Continue to look around and become more aware of man-made structures in the environment. These could include:
Fences (old and new); gates; scaffolding; ladders; wheels; buildings (old and contemporary, inside and outside); architectural features – arches, windows, stairs, etc.; furniture; lamps; lights; chandeliers; baskets; boxes; cartons; contemporary sculpture and ce...
