Robots build sea urchin prefab pavilion using biomimicry
A sub-species of sea urchin has inspired a group of German architects, designers, engineers and biologists to develop an intricate robotically-produced pavilion.
The Sand Dollar’s two-layered shell is formed of extremely thin fibres and stretching plates, connected in such a way that the integrity of the shell remains strong even as the urchin grows.
This realisation prompted researchers Achim Menges and Jan Knippers to explore how robotic biomimicry could be used to take ultra-thin plywood strips, just 3-5mm thick, and build a structurally stable shell-shaped pavilion.
Their organisations, the Institute for Computational Design and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) at Stuttgart University, partnered with biologists and paleontologists from the University of Tubingen. Together, they developed software allowing robots to prefabricate a pavilion following the same natural principles.
The completed structure – stitched together in two layers by robots using an industrial sewing machine – features 151 laminated segments, weighs 780kg (1,720lbs), spans 9.3m (30ft) and covers a total area of 85sq m (915sq ft) in Stuttgart University's grounds, where it is used as a new leisure space.
It is the latest addition to the university's Versuchsbauten series of research pavilions, which demonstrate the new possibilities of computer-based design, simulation and manufacturing techniques in architecture.
“The newly-developed construction system has demonstrated its morphological adaptability to create spatially complex structures,” said ITKE in a statement. “This shows the interactions between material, shape, space, structure and robot-controlled production can lead to innovative wood construction.
“The multidisciplinary research approach not only enables an efficient and material-saving lightweight construction, but also explores new spatial and tectonic possibilities for architecture."
Menges and Knippers will next work together on a robotic installation for the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. Their Elytra Filament Pavilion will again use biomimicry and fabrication, with robots this time gradually creating a pavilion over six months. An undulating canopy of tightly-woven carbon fibre cells will be formed, inspired by the fibrous structures in the shells of flying Elytra beetles.
Robots biomimicry architecture design engineering pavilion Achim Menges Jan Knipper Institute of Building Structures and Structural DesignRobot-built pavilion will take centre stage as V&A explores the future of engineering
FEATURE: Profile – Michael Pawlyn
FEATURE: Biomimicry – Learning from nature
Europe's premier Evian Spa unveiled at Hôtel Royal in France
Clinique La Prairie unveils health resort in China after two-year project
GoCo Health Innovation City in Sweden plans to lead the world in delivering wellness and new science
Four Seasons announces luxury wellness resort and residences at Amaala
Aman sister brand Janu debuts in Tokyo with four-floor urban wellness retreat
€38m geothermal spa and leisure centre to revitalise Croatian city of Bjelovar
Two Santani eco-friendly wellness resorts coming to Oman, partnered with Omran Group
Kerzner shows confidence in its Siro wellness hotel concept, revealing plans to open 100
Ritz-Carlton, Portland unveils skyline spa inspired by unfolding petals of a rose
Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners are just one of the names behind The Emory hotel London and Surrenne private members club
Peninsula Hot Springs unveils AUS$11.7m sister site in Australian outback
IWBI creates WELL for residential programme to inspire healthy living environments
Conrad Orlando unveils water-inspired spa oasis amid billion-dollar Evermore Resort complex
Studio A+ realises striking urban hot springs retreat in China's Shanxi Province
Populous reveals plans for major e-sports arena in Saudi Arabia
Wake The Tiger launches new 1,000sq m expansion
Othership CEO envisions its urban bathhouses in every city in North America
Merlin teams up with Hasbro and Lego to create Peppa Pig experiences
SHA Wellness unveils highly-anticipated Mexico outpost
One&Only One Za’abeel opens in Dubai featuring striking design by Nikken Sekkei
Luxury spa hotel, Calcot Manor, creates new Grain Store health club
'World's largest' indoor ski centre by 10 Design slated to open in 2025
Murrayshall Country Estate awarded planning permission for multi-million-pound spa and leisure centre
Aman's Janu hotel by Pelli Clarke & Partners will have 4,000sq m of wellness space
Therme Group confirms Incheon Golden Harbor location for South Korean wellbeing resort
Universal Studios eyes the UK for first European resort
King of Bhutan unveils masterplan for Mindfulness City, designed by BIG, Arup and Cistri
Rural locations are the next frontier for expansion for the health club sector
Tonik Associates designs new suburban model for high-end Third Space health and wellness club
Aman sister brand Janu launching in Tokyo in 2024 with design by Denniston's Jean-Michel Gathy
The Isola delle Rose has a rich history and an enviable location. Matteo Thun knew he had to capitalise on both with the design of the JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa