Bright Space

Based on his research and consultancy work within sustainable and plastics design, Gant (in collaboration with Mulford) co-designed and fabricated a new building solution, initially developed specifically to house radar installations, and made entirely from non-conductive materials so as not to create interference. The design adopted low-technology traditional origami methods, applied to thin flat sheets of thermoplastic, scored and folded to form a very low impact manufacturing process for this unique geodesic form. The creative process applied to the project enabled efficient construction of this strong, flat pack, monocoque building, free of any non-integral structural framework or conductive components. The first version of the building was installed and successfully functioned from June 2002. Later adaptations were designed and developed (collaboratively with Mulford, and subsequently McAdam), with sponsorship from leading materials manufacturers Eastman Plastics and Barlo Europe, to further exploit and improve the efficiency, material usage, aesthetic attributes and commercial potential developed from the previous research to enable more varied applications, including domestic, social and horticultural usage. Refinement of the origami process led to self-assembly specifications being formed of transparent Spectar® copolyester as little as 0.75 mm thick, and final versions, entitled bright-space, were launched as a central feature of the 100% Design Exhibition, London 2004. These received significant developmental and application interest from, for example, Fosters Partners, Droog, the NHS, theLandscape Institute and the Eden Project for a diverse range of applications and semi-permanent spatial solutions. Retail,distribution and developmental enquiries came from fifteen different countries, and bright-space featured in a range ofinternational publications, including Chris Lefteri’s book Materials for Inspirational Design (2006), Elle Decoration (3/2005),European Plastic News (March 2005), and Journal of the Landscape Institute (November 2004).