Kinematics of planar, curved and corrugated plant surfaces as concept generators for deployable systems in architecture (TRR 141 – A04)

German Research Foundation, Collaborative Research Center SFB-TRR 141: Biological Design and Integrative Structures – Analysis, Simulation and Implementation in Architecture

Funding

German Research Foundation, Collaborative Research Center SFB-TRR 141: Biological Design and Integrative Structures – Analysis, Simulation and Implementation in Architecture

Funding period

01.10.2014 – 30.06.2018

Description

Adaptive architectural envelopes as mediators between exterior and interior climatic conditions can actively control the energy exchange of a building with its surrounding. Adaptive structures, allowing for geometrical changes under different loading conditions provide structural efficiency with less material. Past examples of kinetic architectural applications have been mainly utilized by rigid body mechanics to achieve motion. These complex mechanical systems are mostly guided along straight translation or rotation axes – resulting in geometrical constraints, mechanical complexity and high demand of maintenance. In contrast, recent biomimetic research on the motion principles as found as in plant surfaces has identified soft strategies to achieve flexibility and adaptivity by utilizing elastic deformation of fibrous materials. Petals and leaves show countless robust motion principles important for many biologically vital functions.

These compliant mechanisms can reduce the mechanical complexity of kinetic elements while providing a wide range of movement principles.

The aim of this research project is the establishment of a design framework for bio-inspired compliant mechanism for adaptive architectural functionality and adaptive architectural design. The establishment of a conceptual categorisation of motion, actuation and materialisation principles, applicable for both, technical as well as biological compliant functionality.

Team

Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE), University of Stuttgart

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers, Axel Körner

Institute for Textile Technology, Fiber Based Materials and Textile Machinery (ITFT), University of Stuttgart

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Götz Gresser, Larissa Born

Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanical Garden (PBG), University of Freiburg

Prof. Dr. Thomas Speck, Anna Westermeier

Institute for Structural Mechanics (IBB), University of Stuttgart

Prof. Dr.-Ing. habil. Manfred Bischoff , Renate Sachse

 

Project on TRR 141 website

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