Programmable Self-Supporting Structures Through 4d Printing On Tensioned Textiles

4D printing is a development in additive manufacturing that enables 3D printed objects to transform over time in response to environmental stimuli. This research investigates the architectural viability of large-scale fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing of thermoplastics onto stretched textiles, which retract and warp into 3D structures upon release. Employing an iterative research-by-design approach, the study explores the fabrication of self-supporting, dynamic architectural textiles. The methodology involved small-scale experiments to test material interactions, followed by larger-scale prototypes to refine and demonstrate structural integrity. Results reveal insights into adhesion, material behavior, and scalable design systems, leading to the creation of complex, programmable textile composites. This work lays the foundation for integrating 4D-printed textiles into architectural applications, highlighting their potential for creating lightweight, deployable structures with programmable behaviors.