Polycarbonate Panel – Facade
Polycarbonate Panels are one of the strongest types of plastic, while also being malleable, and molded when desired. They are a group of thermoplastic polymers containing carbonate groups in their chemical structures, and they are often used for roofing, and outdoor constructions.
I would not suggest acrylic or glass due to extreme outdoor conditions, and it could compromise the safety of passerby’s walking through the folly.
High Weathering Grade Polycarbonate | Palsun
Abrasion Resistant (AR) Polycarbonate Sheets
Materiality – Scaffolding Structure
Scaffolding is a structure created from precast metal elements that allows the creation of spaces with different proportions, dimensions and heights. They are adaptable and can be placed on different types of surfaces, either next to a facade or as independent structures. It can be easily assembled/disassembled, and easy to transport. They can also be reusable, so the materials would not go to waste when my design is finished.
Galvanised Steel Tubes
Using steel tubes would be sturdier and easily reworked. In terms of sourcing the material, they can be made in repetitive copies, making them simple to manufacture, and reusable for future developments. The benefits of using steel tubes over aluminum is that it holds more strength, and is more stiff in comparison.
I would specifically used galvanised steel tubes for the longevity of the tubes over the summer period, preventing the tubes from rusting.
Perforated Steel
I will be using perforated steel as my platforms of the design. This is because I want to keep the industrial look to my design, by using hard materials such as metals. The addition of hooks on these planks would also make it easy to hang & secure them onto the scaffolding.
When picking my platforms, I need to consider the surface of the platforms:
- Is it rough to make the platform gripped? Or smooth, so that wheels can travel on it smoothly?
- Choosing a platform where it is more “covered” so that there won’t be accidental views of women wearing dresses when viewing upwards
- Will the surface of the platforms be consistent throughout my other surfaces (e.g. stairs, ramps)
Scaffolding step stair tread steel planks with hooks | Globalsources
Iron Clamps & Couplers
Due to the temporality of the folly, I will be using clamps instead of welding to hold up my structure.
To hold up my Polycarbonate Sheets in place, I could keep using the Right Angle Couplers, by drilling a hole in the corner of the sheets, and attaching the bolt of the clamp into the sheet.
To connect two tubes together, I am looking to use Swivel Couplers or Right Angle Couplers where the tubes intercept.
Swivel Coupler 
Right Angle Coupler
Couplers & Clamps | ScaffoldMe
Scaffold Tube & Clamp System
Clamps & Couplers | Ringlock
Expanded Metal Mesh Net
For my exposed facade, I will need a material that is strong and secure, yet will not disrupt my polycarbonate panels. I am planning on using a metal mesh net, as it is almost invisible from a distance, yet it provides safety for occupants as well as letting air through, as if the facade itself was actually open.
Scaffolding and debris netting
Public Spaces with Scaffolding: an Alternative in Emergency Situations | ArchDaily
AUT Spatial Design 