Soft to Structure Working Group

The Soft To Structure working group headed by Vernelle Noel (CM-Architecture) with Olivia Robinson (IDEATE – ETC), Jim McCann (Robotics) and Harrison Apple (STUDIO). With support from the Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry and CM-Architecture’s PJ Dick Innovation Grant, we are developing material samples that translate the fundamental joinery of textiles to the scale and durability of modular architectural units. Since summer of 2026 we have worked with computer and hand controlled knitting machines, ceramic slip casting, hand sewn smocking, and hand-loo weaving to develop a base of samples for further expansion. See more images from the working group’s early experiments in yarn and polymer here.

Please contact the Vernelle Noel if you’re interested in participating.

Working Group Participants

(Lead) Vernelle Noel – CM Architecture
Jim McCann – CMU Robotics Institute
Olivia Robinson – CMU IDeATe / ETC
Harrison Apple – STUDIO for Creative Inquiry
Xinwei Zhang – CM Architecture
Ziyi He – CM Architecture
Ari Klopfer – BXA Drama