formdur

Formdur is a term used to describe the durability of form in objects and structures, focusing on how geometric shapes hold under mechanical loads, environmental exposure, and time. It encompasses physical and geometric stability across materials and fabrication methods, including sculpture, architecture, and additive manufacturing.

The concept emerged from discussions at the intersection of architecture, materials science, and digital design, where designers work with complex free-form geometries that challenge conventional durability models.

Key considerations include geometric stability, stress distribution, material compatibility, aging, and fatigue. Formdur assessment combines experimental testing (accelerated aging, mechanical testing) with computational modeling (finite element analysis) and qualitative observation of form retention.

Applications include formwork and temporary structures in construction, durable sculptural installations, and post-processing of 3D-printed parts where shape retention is critical. In design practice, formdur guides material selection and geometry adjustments to improve long-term shape fidelity.

Critics note that formdur can be vague without standardized metrics, and call for explicit measurement protocols and benchmarks to compare forms across materials and conditions.