[Research] Bio-Inspired Adaptive Structure

Research Pavilion | University of Stuttgart | ITECH Program | Team Project | 2018-2019
Institute for Computational Design and Construction (Prof. A. Menges) | Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (Prof. J. Knippers) | Institute for Textile and Fiber Technologies (Prof. Götz T. Gresser)

A research project of bio-inspired large-scale compliant architecture.
The ITECH research demonstrator 2018/19 investigates large-scale compliant architecture inspired by the folding mechanisms of the Coleoptera coccinellidae (Ladybug) wings. The demonstrator is composed of two adaptive folding elements made of carbon and glass fibre-reinforced plastic. The demonstrator is first of its kind to employ industrial tape-laying technology for an automated fabrication of large-scale compliant mechanisms. Their kinetic behaviour is achieved through distinct compliant hinge zones with integrated pneumatic actuators. An interactive control system, consisting of integrated sensors, online communication, and backend computational processing, facilitates interactive and user-controlled adaptation. The project is part of a successful series of research demonstrators showcasing the potential of computational design, simulation and fabrication processes in bio-inspired architecture. The project was designed and realized by students and researchers, supported by a multi-disciplinary team of architects, engineers, biologists, and palaeontologists.

ITECH Research Demonstrator 2018-19 © ICD/ITKE/ITFT University of Stuttgart | Source: Vimeo

Project Description

Project Components

Adaptive Architecture
Biomimetic Investigation
Integrative Digital Design Model
Fabrication, Material Gradient and Stiffening
Integrated Actuation
Integrated Demonstrator

More Details
ITECH RESEARCH DEMONSTRATOR 2018-19

Photographs & Diagrams

ITECH Research Demonstrator 2018-19: Photographs and Diagrams by ICD/ITKE/ITFT University of Stuttgart

Project Team

ICD Institute for Computational Design and Construction - Prof. A. Menges
ITKE Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design - Prof. Dr.-Ing.Jan Knippers
ITFT Institute for Textile and Fiber Technologies - Prof. Dr.-Ing. Götz T. Gresser

Scientific Development
Axel Körner, Larissa Born, Oliver Bucklin, Seiichi Suzuki, Lauren Vasey

Concept Development, System Development, Fabrication & Construction
Miro Bannwart, Eliza Biala, Xiaoyu Chen, Rebeca Duque Estrada de Almeida Araujo, Farnaz Fattahi, Rob Faulkner, David Horvath, Niloofar Imani, You-Wen Ji, Fabian Kannenberg, Nate Kaylor, Denitsa Koleva, Jure Kozmos, I-Ching Lee, Ada Le?uchowska, Zhiqi Lin, Samantha Melnyk, Seyed Mobin Moussavi, Mona Mühlich, Seyed Ahmad Razavi, Tamara Rosales, Emi Shiraishi, Sanoop Siby, Piyanat Songkhroh, Hana Svatoš-Ražnjevi?, Naomi Kris Tashiro, Babasola Thomas, Aditya Tiwari, Maria Wyller, Nima Zahiri, Ruqing Zhong

With support of
Anja Mader, Katja Rinderspacher, Maria Yablonina

In collaboration with
Compositence GmbH
Department of Evolutionary Biology of Invertebrates – Prof. Oliver Betz
Department of Palaeontology of Invertebrates – Prof. James Nebelsick
University of Tuebingen

Supported by
Autodesk
Roy Hohlfeld