The Hex: A Revolutionary Approach to Kite Design

Wind Architecture Studio's Award-Winning Inflatable Kite

The Hex kite is a product of an experimental studio run at the Melbourne School of Design in 2016. The design was inspired by the idea of taming wind energy with minimal means to achieve sustainable performance. The designers asked, "What if buildings could be supported by the available wind, just like kites? What can kites teach architects about the invisible landscapes of air?" This kite is a part of a broader ongoing research that aims to answer these questions.

What sets The Hex apart from other kites is its unique properties. The kite is an inflatable structure produced using a computational process that was initially invented to describe plant growth. This technique allows designers to write down rules that guide the growth of whole families of objects. Like living creatures evolving through natural selection, members of such families can adapt to diverse needs and conditions, leading to outstanding efficiency, unimaginable forms, and aesthetic enjoyment.

The Hex is realized using an L-system to generate the graph, skinned using a parametric model, and patterned using a custom program. The patches are then unfolded, nested into the standard sheet for cutting, and stitched. The result is a lightweight fabric construction that can pack into 0.5 cubic centimeters and expand to 430 cubic meters when inflated by the wind.

The Hex is a component of overarching research into lightweight architectural structures that can be supported without the use of mechanical devices. It serves as a research prototype in the development of inflatable architectural constructions that can be supported by wind rather than by artificially powered pumping systems. The Hex is one of many prototypes used to develop form-making and fabrication workflows, investigate suitable materials, and test the outcomes in the target conditions.

The design process of The Hex presented several challenges. The unique structure of the kite required a custom software to resolve all joints and prepare the patterns for assembly. The assembly process was also challenging, requiring careful management of multiple similar parts. Because the topology of The Hex does not allow the whole object to be turned inside-out, the joining of the parts had to follow a unique strict sequence to ensure all seams are on the inside.

The Hex is more than just a kite; it is a unique air-borne sculpture that can be enjoyed at a variety of public events. It is a testament to the innovative spirit of Wind Architecture Studio and their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design, technology, and sustainability. The Hex's Platinum A' Design Award is a recognition of this world-class, exceptional, and highly innovative design that contributes to societal wellbeing and makes the world a better place.