Wind tunnels generate steady laminar airflow in order to observe air movement patterns around architectural models placed on the testing bed. The introduction of smokestreams, tufts, or other particulates enables visualisation of air movement around the model. Wind tunnels make complex fluid dynamics principles associated with passive ventilation and urban airflow patterns visible and materially tangible. For architects, they supplement static environmental diagrams and complex digital simulations.
Guidance for constructing wind tunnels tends to be either specialised (intended for wind engineers) or ad hoc (intended for a DIY-ers). In response, I developed a series of wind tunnel prototypes that adapt engineering and DIY guidance using architectural design fabrication techniques. In order to eliminate the need for specialist equipment and ventilation requirements associated with smokestream production, the final prototypes incorporate paper rudders for flow visualisation.
The prototypes transitioned from carpentry-based construction methods to digitally fabricated ones, increasing precision and componentry fit over time. The final version, akin to an airplane turned inside out, utilises exterior steel frames, creating a smooth interior surface of seamless transitions. The prototyping trajectory reflects a shift in focus from the streamlines of flow visualisation to streamlining as a design method.
Fabrication documentation is available in my book.