Hydromechanical Forming Shapes Reflective Stainless-Steel Sculptural Objects
Designer Sarah Naghawi explores structural plastic deformation of stainless steel through hydraulic pressure techniques.
1Experimental Design Debut
Presented at Amman Design Week 2026, the JAWF collection by Jordanian designer Sarah Naghawi introduces hydromechanical forming to the local design sector. This project utilizes industrial fabrication techniques to manipulate stainless steel sheets. By moving beyond traditional stamping or cold-rolling, the work pushes the physical limits of metal through controlled deformation processes.
2Hydraulic Pressure Mechanics
The fabrication process involves injecting hydraulic fluid into welded sheet assemblies to create internal pressure. This force causes the metal skin to inflate, buckle, and displace, effectively transforming flat surfaces into complex volumes. The technique relies on the precise application of both positive and negative hydraulic pressure to achieve specific geometric results.
3Material Plastic Deformation
As the stainless steel yields under internal tension, it develops distinct concave and convex profiles that act as reciprocal structural conditions. The material permanently retains these deformation traces and stress concentrations, creating self-supporting enclosures. The metallic skin functions simultaneously as a structural shell, a protective envelope, and a functional interior space.
4Architectural Void Concept
The project name, JAWF, derives from the Arabic term for an inner chamber or protected cavity. Naghawi treats the internal void as an architectural condition defined by displaced matter. By focusing on the internal volume, the design explores how empty space shapes the exterior form of the reflective steel sculptural objects.
5Reflective Surface Dynamics
Highly reflective stainless-steel surfaces characterize the collection, mirroring surrounding spatial environments and ambient lighting conditions. Polished metallic finishes accentuate the sharp transitions between compressed and stretched zones of the metal. These visual qualities highlight the material yielding thresholds, making the internal pressure lines visible across the finished sculptural forms.
6Welded Perimeter Integrity
The structural integrity of each piece depends on welded perimeter seams that hold the sheet metal edges under extreme internal liquid tension. These seams ensure the metal remains contained while the hydraulic expansion occurs. This precise welding technique is essential for maintaining the shape during the high-pressure inflation phase of production.
7Industrial Fabrication Context
While hydromechanical forming is common in heavy industrial manufacturing, its application in artistic design remains specialized. Naghawi’s work demonstrates how industrial methods can be repurposed for sculptural research. By translating the geometry of inflated membranes into non-elastic metals, the project bridges the gap between mechanical engineering and contemporary aesthetic design practices.
8Significance of Material Research
The JAWF project serves as a critical study in material science and form-finding. By recording the thresholds of metal yielding, Naghawi provides a new perspective on how industrial pressure can define sculptural aesthetics. This research highlights the potential for future collaborations between traditional metal fabrication techniques and experimental design methodologies in Jordan.