Alice Cai Looking Outwards 03

https://www.media.mit.edu/projects/meta-mesh-computational-model-for-design-and-fabrication-of-biomimetic-scaled-body-armors/overview/

MetaMesh is a project by Neri Oxman, Jorge Duro-Royo, and Laia Mogas-Soldevila. In this project, they study biomimetic design. This means studying and producing designs that mimic the functions and features of biochemical processes. MetaMesh studies and mimics the scaling of the Polypterus sengalus, which is an ancient fish. They developed a “hierarchical computational model” that mimics the “structure-function relationships found in the biological exoskeleton”. They then use additive manufacturing, a technology that uses additive layers in order to produce a three-dimensional object.

The purpose of this project was actually to propose a computational approach for protective armor. This scaled armor is meant to be multifunctional. The scaling/exoskeleton of the fish allows for flexibility as well as structural protection. Because the scales are segmented, they allow for movement and adhere to the curves of the body while the body is still covered.

First, they studied the biological organism, how it moves in reaction to curved surfaces. Then they looked at local, regional, and global analysis of the scales. In the regional analysis, they looked at how each scale can connect. In the locoal, they looked the parts of the fish and the proportions. Finally, they looked at the global analysis, which is how clothes adhere to the curves of the human body. This was then put through computational translation that digitalizes the studies to develop an algorithm.

I think this project is amazing because it is both functional, scientific, and aesthetic. This study serves a great purpose of protection but also generates such a natural and complex pattern.