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Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

2015

  • Work on this object began.

2016

2025

  • You found it!

PolyThread Knitted Textile Pavilion, PolyThread

This is a PolyThread knitted textile pavilion. It was engineered by Arup. It is dated 2015–2016. Its medium is 3d seamless whole garment digitally knit cone elements; photoluminescent, solar active and drake yarns; twill tape; aluminum tubing.

Sabin’s architectural forms are inspired by nature and mathematics. PolyThread (2016) is a temporary pavilion commissioned for Beauty—Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial. This knitted textile structure employs photoluminescent and solar active yarns that absorb, collect, and deliver light. Portable and lightweight, such a structure could be used outdoors to absorb light from the sun during the day and release it at night.

  • 3D-printed Model, Polybrick
  • 3d-printed nylon.
  • Courtesy of Jenny Sabin Studio and Sabin Design Lab, Cornell Architecture.
  • s-e-1765-a,b
  • Prototype, PolyBrick series
  • glazed ceramic, maltodextrin, alcohol.
  • Courtesy of Jenny Sabin Studio and Sabin Design Lab, Cornell Architecture.
  • 35.2015.4

Our curators have highlighted 19 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Bag (USA)
  • glass beads, silk, metal.
  • Gift of Mary S. M. Gibson.
  • 1945-54-23
  • Wall Maquette, PolyBrick series
  • ceramic, maltodextrin, alcohol.
  • Courtesy of Jenny Sabin Studio and Sabin Design Lab, Cornell Architecture.
  • 35.2015.2-1/36

Its dimensions are

Site specific installation

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Beauty—Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial.

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<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://www-4.collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/69192475/ |title=PolyThread Knitted Textile Pavilion, PolyThread |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=14 March 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>