Elastoplasticity Studio

This studio explored the fundamental properties of elastoplasticity inherent in materials, focusing on understanding material limits and the transition from elastic to plastic behavior under specific conditions. The key learning outcome centered on how materials respond reversibly within their elastic limits and irreversibly once plastic deformation occurs.

Within the elastic range, materials demonstrate reversible behavior—responding dynamically to external forces and returning to their original form over time. Beyond this threshold, materials undergo plasticization, causing permanent morphological changes.

Students engaged in an intensive investigation of elastic materials’ elastoplastic properties, systematically documenting morphological transformations and material behavior through experimental design approaches.

By introducing geometric and scale variations, participants incorporated behavioral complexity to uncover intrinsic material properties and performance potentials. The workshop aimed to open new opportunities for site-specific design interventions, resulting in the creation of “Urban Machines”—systems that exhibit spontaneous elastic responses to stimuli, which, when repeated, plasticize and leave permanent imprints.

The culmination of this two-week workshop involved developing full-scale (1:1) prototypes embodying their research findings.

More details and visual documentation can be found at: Tehran AA School Gallery