Following generation of the ground voids, this week I continued the sequence to generate a fabric formwork for their lining.
Latex was painted onto the plaster, which after curing was removed and cut into flat pieces as templates for the fabric cutting.
Wood insert nuts were sunk into the ground casts to provide retention point for the formwork, whereby the thickness of cast could be controlled in a localised area. The formwork was secured by these points and stapling around its perimeter.
Thin casts were made, which were able to be released from the ground cast for visual purposes.
Next week’s iteration will use an initial positive generated through a form-finding exercise intended to output an object which would be efficient and stable in clay-based ground, and which responds to the intentions of access, light, and preservation of archaeological material. The cabinet containing the casts will be divided laterally rather than vertically, to articulate the process of excavation, caisson retention, and cut-and-cover. A phased strategy of tailored retention, tailored surface finish / occupiable cast and post-fix will be outlined and explored.
