Biomimetic Spatial and Temporal (4D) Design and Fabrication

We imagine the built environment of the future as a ‘bio-hybrid machine for living in’ that will sense and react to activities within the space in order to provide experiences and services that will elevate quality of life while coexisting seamlessly with humans and the natural environment. The study of Hierarchical design in biological materials has the potential to alter the way designers/ engineers/ craftsmen of the future engage with materials in order to realise such visions. Current techniques for making/ experimenting/ developing ideas are limited. Innovations in digital manufacturing technologies such as jacquard weaving and 3D printing promise the realisation of beneficial architectures from micro to macro scale previously impossible to achieve using conventional methodologies. This poster presents a novel landscape of opportunities for the exploration and exploitation of biological mechanisms into human centred manufactured systems.

Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference, Living Machines, London, UK, 29 July - 2 August 2013.