Bar Raval: A Convergence of Digital Fabrication and Traditional Craftsmanship
PARTISANS' mahogany masterpiece in Toronto
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"Moreover, wood is a humble, natural material, and in that regard it is simpatico with the organic, unpretentious pintxo expression. Pintxo culture is all about mingling, interacting with the environment, and socializing with others. People often start at one end of the bar and gradually make their way to the other end, nibbling as they go," he said. "Mahogany was just the perfect expression of the pintxo experience."
To execute the complicated and continuous geometry of the Bar Raval interior, the PARTISANS design team hand-sketched drawings and then hand-carved foam and clay models to refine the panels' appearance. They then converted the 3D lines into a format that a five-axis CNC router could understand. To minimize visual disruptions, they designed an "S"-seam that allows the panels' edges to be perpendicular to the carvings. The designers also used a Grasshopper script to detect intersecting toolpaths and move them to prevent overlap and maintain the fluid sinewy pattern.
"The process was a convergence of digital fabrication techniques and traditional craftsmanship," said PARTISANS co-founder Pooya Baktash. "We worked closely with the MCM 2001 fabrication team and relied heavily on their experience, knowledge and woodworking skill. Their familiarity with carpentry and the way wood behaves enabled us to overcome some of the challenges of the complex and intricate assembly," he said.
Founded in 2012, PARTISANS is a young Toronto-based architectural firm. "R&D is a big part of what we do," noted Friedman. "We explore different materials and applications and expressions, and we push technology and materials to the limit. "We've done many studies in wood to explore its looks, fragrance, see how it performs. There are so many possibilities, such potential with a wood like mahogany."
PARTISANS was awarded the 2015 R&D Award by the American Institute of Architects for their work on Bar Raval.
Photographs by Jonathan Friedman, courtesy of PARTISANS
Frequently asked questions
Why was mahogany chosen for the Bar Raval interior?+
Mahogany was selected because wood is a humble, natural material that complements the organic, unpretentious pintxo experience. The designers felt it perfectly expressed the mingling, socializing culture of pintxo bars.
How did PARTISANS design the complex curved panels at Bar Raval?+
The design team hand-sketched drawings and hand-carved foam and clay models to refine the panel appearance, then converted the 3D lines into a format readable by a five-axis CNC router. They also used a Grasshopper script to detect intersecting toolpaths and prevent overlap, maintaining the fluid sinewy pattern.
What is the 'S'-seam used in the Bar Raval panels?+
The 'S'-seam is a design solution developed by PARTISANS that allows the panels' edges to be perpendicular to the carvings. This minimizes visual disruptions across the continuous geometry of the interior.
Who fabricated the woodwork for Bar Raval?+
PARTISANS worked closely with the MCM 2001 fabrication team, relying on their carpentry experience and knowledge of how wood behaves to overcome the challenges of the complex and intricate assembly.
What recognition did PARTISANS receive for the Bar Raval project?+
PARTISANS was awarded the 2015 R&D Award by the American Institute of Architects for their work on Bar Raval.
What is PARTISANS' approach to materials and design?+
Founded in 2012 and based in Toronto, PARTISANS emphasizes R&D as a core part of their practice. They explore different materials, applications and expressions, pushing technology and materials to their limits, including extensive studies in wood.