CJ Walsh – Looking Outwards 01

The project I chose to focus on is the ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion from 2015-16. The pavilion is part of a series meant to show the potential of computational design and different practices of fabrication within the world of architecture. The use of computational models to create a space is what initially drew to me to this project, as a designer studying environments the creation of spaces excites me. Another very significant factor that I love about this project is that the structure is based on research into biological structures in sea urchins and sand dollars.

The team consisted of researchers, students, biologists, architects and engineers. They were inspired by previous research on the structure of sea urchins and other creatures that identified key structures and patterns that allowed for light-weight forms. Using photos and microscopic imagery, the team was able to translate these structure into large scale pieces that could be assembled into a larger structure.

An interesting factor in the project was the use of robotic sewing to assemble the pieces. It is the first project of its kind to use sewing techniques on wooden fabrications at a large architectural scale. Custom software was created so that the robots could efficiently complete the task of sewing and securing all 151 segments together in the arrangement designer by the researchers.

I think that one of the really inspiring parts of this project is that it is part of a series that seeks to promote the use of computational models and practices into the design of physical spaces. It enables the researchers to think outside of the box into what could be a potential form and inspires other creators to begin experimenting with these media to create new and exciting projects that combine computational programming and architecture/environments design.

Source: Institute for Computational Design + University of Stuttgart

ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2015-16