Pavilion: Exploring Modularity Through Crochet

This project explores modular design through the word weave, which I was assigned in my first year of architecture school. My interpretation of weaving led me to experiment with crochet as a method of creating modules, since crochet inherently builds form through loops and repetition.

I developed a crochet-inspired module that could be repeated and aggregated into larger systems. By scaling and connecting these woven units, I was able to assemble pavilion-like structures that explore light, shadow, and spatial experience through modularity.

1. Yarn
2. Crochet hook
3. Velcro sticky dots
4. Pipe cleaner
5. Scissors
6. A cylindrical object for molding the fuzzy sticks
7. CAD software (Rhino 3D and Adobe Illustrator were used here)

The module is made to be spherical and double open-ended to allow Lightning and Seating.

By combining the softness of yarn with the structure of pipe cleaners, the module balances flexibility and strength. The sphere became the “building block” that was repeated and aggregated into a larger pavilion system.

You’ll need yarn, a crochet hook, and pipe cleaners, and a cylindrical object to make this module. The crochet process gives the form its woven quality, while the pipe cleaners acted as a flexible structure that could hold shape when molded around a cylindrical object.

1. Build the frame: As shown in step 1 of the image, wrap and shape them around a cylinder to create a stable looped frame.
2. Crochet the first row: Shown in steps 2-15, create a slip knot with the yarn and single crochet stitch(7-14 of image) the yarn through the pipe cleaner all way round.
3. Refine the circle: Adjust the size of the circle by pulling the fuzzy stick.(9-10)
4. Start the next row: When a circle is completed, to start the next row pull the yarn under each loop or stitch of the previous row to make a single crochet stitch as shown in steps 19-28.
5. Expand swith New Frames: steps 30-32, As the form grows, add more pipe cleaners where needed to support larger rows or expansions. Adjust row sizes to balance structure and openness.
6. Repeat! (a 100 was needed but I made 30)

Once the individual modules are completed, they were connected into larger assemblies using Velcro. Velcro allowed the pieces to stay lightweight, flexible, and reconfigurable.

There are three different methods of connections.

1. Stacking Connection
2. Overlapping Connection
3. Interlocking Connection

By combining these three strategies, the modules aggregated into a pavilion-like structure that could function both as seating and as a porous, woven enclosure.

After testing several aggregation methods, I explored different arrangements of the modules using Velcro connections. These early iterations helped me understand how the modules could behave structurally and spatially.

From these iterations, I selected one assembly system as the final pavilion. This configuration highlights the woven, porous qualities of the module while allowing for both light to pass through and seating to occur within the structure. The final pavilion balances modular repetition with openness, staying true to the concept of “weave.”