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The Silk Pavilion by the MIT Media Lab consists of 26 polygonal panels and silk threads woven by a CNC (computer-numerically controlled) machine. The algorithm used to weave out the silk threads was based upon study of silk worms, their natural behavior and how they use something 2-dimensional to create a space that is 3-dimensional. The shape of the pavilion uses an algorithm that uses a continuous thread to weave the panels with differing degrees of density. Once the machine-aspect of the pavilion was finished, 6500 silkworms were placed onto the pavilion was to bring in the natural aspect by allowing them to reinforce any gaps neglected by the CNC machine.
This project is a synthesis between man-made, digital form and natural form. It’s introducing something controlled to the natural environment and introducing something natural to the machine. What is also admirable about this project is the focus on studying the silkworms and its natural instincts, which the team was able to transfer into code for the machine to develop an architecture for the silkworms.