Bio-inspired and fabrication-informed design strategies for modular fibrous structures in architecture

Abstract

Research pavilions can serve as architectural scale demonstrations for the materialization of experimental forms and structures. Pavilions seek to prove and change methods of design and construction mechanisms in order to achieve desires such as material efficiency, novel spatial qualities and performative needs. The case of the ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2013-14 highlights the use of fiber composites in order to achieve a core-less filament winding modular system from bio-inspired lightweight structures through robotic fabrication. This paper describes the multi-disciplinary design and construction process of this pavilion that created a structure of out 36 unique components.