Potentials offablabs for biomimetic architectural research Vesna-Mila Colic-Damjanovic, Research Assistant
Ivana Gadjanski
Department of Architecture, Faculty of Architecture, University of Belgrade Belgrade, Serbia
[email protected]
Fab Initiative NGO Innovation Center Faculty ofMechanical Engineering Belgrade, Serbia
[email protected]
Abstract-A fablab, with its set of different tools and machines for digital fabrication, as well as with the people with various expertise who work in there, is a perfect environment for inter- and multidisciplinary connections and research. More and more fablabs are including the biology i.e. wet-lab components giving opportunity for various phenomena to be investigated from different perspectives, one from the biological point of view and the other from e.g. architectural. Biomimicry in architecture is an innovative concept of using organic forms found in nature as architectural solutions. Taking into account that such forms are difficult to produce in 3D without the tools of digital fabrication, present in a fablab, the authors postulate that the fablab (or more precisely a biofablab) can be efficiently utilized as a lab for biomimicry architecture research. Keywords-[ablab; biology; architecture; biomimicry
I.
INTRODUCTION
The latest developments in new technologies and digital fabrication induce fundamental and inevitable paradigm shifts in contemporary architectural design, displacing many of the well-established conventions especially in the field of production and its economics. This paper analyzes and describes biomimicry architectural research design and its potential application through fablab latest digital fabrication technologies. These new technologies offer alternatives to the conventional understandings of biomimicry design especialy in the field of its realization through production processes that now become more affordable, resilient and sustainable. Through the example of the Le Biome, the first biomimicry fablab in Europe, it will be shown how biomimicry concept is being utilized and realized in the fablab i.e. the open space workshop for digital fabrication also in other aspects, like circular economy.
II.
BIOMIMICRY IN ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN: TRADITIONAL AND INNOVATIVE APPROACH
Biomimicry is a relatively new science that observes and studies greatest ideas from nature and then imitates these designs and processes to offer innovative and sustainable solutions for future developments in industry, design, architecture, research, etc. It was Otto Schmitt (1913-1998), American biophysicist, who fIrst used the term Biomimetics in 1950s to describe the transfer of ideas and analogues from biology to technology [1] . In 1997, Janine M. Benyus wrote the book "Innovation inspired by Nature" evoking the three levels of biomimicry: organism level, behaviour level and ecosystem level, and laying novel ground for many subsequent interdisciplinary studies . Benyus demarcated biomimicry as imitating or taking inspiration from natural forms and processes for solving problems for humans. She argued for the need to imitate nature to ensure a more sustainable future[2], as nature has time-tested patterns and solutions. Architect Michael Pawlyn also advocates for using nature as a design tool, through applying the concepts of: (1) radical increases in resource efficiency, (2) shifting from a linear wasteful poluting way of using resources to a closed loop model, and (3) changing from a fossil fuel economy to a solar economy [3]. With recent technological innovations it is more evident how biomimicry can be applied to architecture with the idea of solving design problems and creating a more sustainable built environment. From Brunelleschi's studies of eggshells for a thinner and lighter dome for the Florence cathedral, to the examination of termite mounds for cool environments without air conditioning in warm climates (the Eastgate Centre, Harare, Zimbabwe) - biomimicry has often offered solutions for architectural design. A.
Traditional Approach Although different elements of biomimicry can be spotted in many concepts developed in engineering, architecture, design etc., the direct application of biomimicry, as architectural design method, was extremely scarce in the past, as demonstrated by a limited number of built case studies.
Some relatively recent technological innovations and computational concepts have brought new and creative digital approaches to architectural research and design and introduced completely original processes, methods and materials to design and production processes. This rapid and recent technological progression, based on biomimetic studies, allows architectural research to grow towards new models that generate architectural forms and program processes out of natural forms, like the biomimetic design of parasol shades in Seville (Fig. 2). Fig. 1 Biomimicry, traditional approach - manual freestyle drawing, design and production process. 1a) A red ants mound; 1b) Biomimic dwelling form - based on red ants mound, in Meudon, France, arch. Andre Bloc, 1962
The reasons for that scarcity are the limitations of old, traditional approaches (Fig. 1), challenging drawing and designing processes, based on sketchy freestyle drawing unable to reproduce complex organic forms on one side, and the lack of accurate tools and materials for the production process, with relatively rough performance and quite expensive finishing works on the other side. Several decades ago, in Meudon, this now obsolete technology has been used to build biomimetic dwelling form inspired by a red ants mound (Fig. 1), a curvilinear geometry of formworks molded on site, with a lot of inaccuracies in casting of concrete and plaster elements directly on construction site. B.
Innovative Approach
The biomimetic approach to architectural research and design, relies on architectural concepts, expressed as generative rules, so that their evolution and growth can be fast-tracked and corroborated by computer models [4]. The use of innovative computer models allows pronounced independence and great precision in the design process, while the introduction of new materials and digital technologies and tools allow more efficient, cost-effective and rational execution and greater precision in product manufacturing. III.
BIOMIMICRY AND DIGITAL FABRICATION: POTENTIALS OF FABLABS IN BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH
As previously stated, biomimetic architectural design includes complex architectural research process that mimics certain phenomena from nature that were, until recently, quite challenging to design and costly to manufacture with the use of traditional construction technologies. By further exploring these possibilities, biomimicry architectural research can evolve more in form, function, construction, process and material. The use of new technologies is an emerging and vital part of fablabs architectural research that introduces new possibilities to the process of design, fabrication and construction, and has profound influence on both architectural design and its production process. Latest developments in computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) technologies have generated opportunities in producing and constructing complex architectural forms in rational time lapse and pricing. With the use of new materials, the biomimetic architectural research has been, like never before, characterized by fluid, dynamic and limitless three-dimensional architectural forms and research opportunities. Focusing on the investigation of digital fabrication and design robotics, and the corroborating technologies, architectural research has been offered a field of opportunities to develop ground-breaking processes, systems, and solutions, in the spirit of collaborative research and development.
Fig. 2 Biomimicry, innovative approach - computed digital simulation, design and production process. 2a) Computed drawing of parasol shades inspired by mushroom formation; 2b) Biomimic mushroom design ofparasol shades in Seville, Spain, arch. Jiirgen H Mayer Architects, 2011
A variety of CAD softwares, using both 2D vector drawing, and 3D modeling are used to digitally fabricate objects. Fablabs equipment generally consists of computeraided design and manufacturing machinery, e.g. Computer Numerically Controlled (CNC) router machine, laser cutters,
3D printers, and robotics, can fabricate both 2D and 3D models. The issues of constructability and spatial ramifications of non-Euclidean geometry are the main challenge ofbiomimetic architecture using highly curvilinear surfaces and forms. Fablabs research of some of these complex forms can be fabricated as: A.) Surface model, 2D flat part that can be assembled to form 3D structure; B.) Solid Model, 3D form fabrication directly in 3D structures. A. Surface Model-Fablab 2D Digital Fabrication
Laser cutters and CNC router machine represent the Fablabs equipment typically used to cut 2D flat parts from vector drawings of any CAD software. The laser cutter can cut or score different materials such as wood, acry I, felt, matte board, chip board, etc., up to 1 cm thickness. Other more frequently used machine is the CNC cutter (water-jet, laserbeam, plasma-arc, etc.) that can cut various materials, including metal. By using both laser and CNC cutters for the fabrication of physical models, objects of complex geometry in biomimetic architecture are cut out of the mentioned materials and flat parts are assembled. This model fabrication processes include cutting and connecting 2D extracted parts by subtractive, additive, and formative fabrication, to form complex surfaces of required biomimetic structure, usually in 3D form. Some of these technologies has been in use for more than a decade in building industry, e.g. for producing formwork for casting of 3D concrete elements of complex curvilinear surfaces geometry. This surface model can be used to produce components in series (steel elements in light truss structures or other patterns), some double-curved, compound surfaces (curved stamped metal, molded glass, plastic sheets, etc), but also for some other experimental techniques (sprayed concrete, techniques for reshaping metal, steam-bending boards, etc). Also, it is possible to frabricate plane curves by CNC bending of thin rods, tubes, or strips of malleable materials, such as steel or wood, (Fig. 3).
Fig. 3 Surface model - 2D model assembled by curved flat parts into 3D structure. 3a) Laser cutter biomimetic formation; 2b) CNC biomimetic design, WOW architects, 2011
Even the assembly and the positioning of digitally fabricated components on site can be improved with the new digitally-driven technologies (electronic surveying, laser positioning). In that regard, this surface model, based on 2D extracted parts assembled to form the required biomimetic 3D structure, can essentially be achieved with the currently available fablab technology. Therefore, its potentials for further development are relatively exhausted, as opposed to the solid model that has a great potential for innovation research. B.
Solid Model-Fablab 3D Digital Fabrication The use of 3D vector drawing with CAD softwares allows for digital fabrication of 3D solid models through a process of additive fabrication, adding one thin layer of material after another [6]. There are different fabrication techniques, such as layered manufactering, solid freeform fabrication, rapid prototyping, etc.
Fablabs equipment that can fabricate 3D solids from CAD software vector drawings usually consists of 3D printers (laser sintering, powder printers, stere 0 lithography, ets.) and 3-axis robotic system. These technology and techniques are used in biomimetic architectural design for the fabrication of solid models with complex and curvilinear geometries. Depending on the technological system and the machines, different materials can be used: different polymers, alumide, glass, steel, thermoplastcis, some ceramics, plaster, clay, wood-filler bonding putty, etc. Through various processes of 3D-printing technologies, these materials can be shaped into the required biologically inspired form. With 3D printing and manufacturing on site it is possible to anticipate future savings in time, labour and transportation. With this technique, it is conceivable to have robust, fibrous structure using less material, even though, for the time being, the cost of 3D-printed materials is exorbitant, compared to traditional materials.
Fig. 4 Solid model- 3D printed solid model assembled to form the fac;ade structure; 4a) Egg sculpture by Enrco Dini, 2010; 4b)Detail ofapartmant building, Brisbane, Australia, 2015
With the current constraints of existing 3D printers that can only make completely homogeneous materials, the technological visionaries are focusing on developing a process that will distribute different properties to various parts of the material. Besides creating these simple graded materials, potentials and additional tasks for the existing 3D printers concern larger scale printing and consequently realizing structural and material complexity.
IV.
FUTHER DEVELOPMENT IN FABLAB BIOMIMETIC ARCHITECTURAL RESEARCH
As previously argued, 3D printing based on the solid model has a great potential for innovative research and for further development of fablabs. 3D printing research is currently confronted with technological limitations: layer by layer production, complex supporting structures, overcoming drawbacks of homogenous product structure. The more general limitations concern the speed and cost of production, or practical applications [7]. Based on these limitations, the research is focusing on innovations in 3D printing: A) Technology research; B) Supporting structure research; and C) Material research.
A. Technology research Undeniably, 3D printers and 3D printing have great potential for further developments in fablab research, especially in the field of biomimicry. In that sense, Neri Oxman examined the biological structure of cocoons built by silkworms, and argued that they are acting as a natural multiaxis 3D multi-material "printer", e.g. they move their heads in a figure-of-eight pattern, depositing silk fibre and sericin matrix around themselves as they go. This biomimetic approach can undoubtedly reveal the ways to vary the gradient of the printed material [7] [8].
Fig. 6 3D printing - material research. 3D printed Pavilion Bloom with material inovation; 5a) Bloom fac;ade structure; 5b) Detail of Bloom pavillion, UC Berkeley 10, USA, project leader prof arch. Ronald RaeI, 2015
Digital technologies, such as additive manufacturing, allow integration of craftsmanship and industry in a rapid and efficient fabrication process. Neri Oxman argues that, as for the future, placing a 3D printing head on a robotic arm, can free up limitations of traditional 3D printing almost instantly [7]. Some architectural experimental limitations can be overcome by introducing the technologies of "4D printing", "swarm construction" and "CNC weaving", replacing layering with weaving in 3D space [9].
B. Supporting structures research Also, some other potentials include, printing of the entire building, with the use of industrial laser-sintering technology based on laser-sintered bioplastic (plastics derived from biomass rather than hydrocarbons), like in the Protohouse 2.0 of Softkill Design, (Fig. 4a). This is planned to be the first 3D printed prototype house built on site that introduces biomimetic, fibrous structure comparable with the trabecular bone structure [7]. By applying an algorithm that mimics bone growth, the material is placed only where it is most structurally efficient, (Fig. 4b). Besides structural elements, the same process allows for instant production of lightweight, modular and highly defined furniture, stairs, or building envelope. The process is innovative as the bioplastic fibrous elements can have flexible textures and infinite uses. C. Material research
Fig. 5 3D printing - supporting structure research. 4a) First to be buit 3D printed prototype house on site, Protohouse 2.0, Softkill Design, 2013; 4b) Detail of house structural elements based on biomimetic ofbone growth, Protohouse 2.0, Softkill Design, 2013
However, some of these previous limitations of 3D-printed architecture have been overawed in Bloom pavillion from UC Berkeley (Fig. 6) by introducing precise 3D-printed cement polymer structure. This freestanding pavilion is composed of 840 customized blocks that were 3D-printed by using a new type of iron oxide-free Portland cement polymer formulation developed by Ronald Rael [10]. This 3D printing with cementbased materials is fmished by mixing polymers with cement and fibers to produce robust, yet lightweight and precise parts. This example represents the groundwork for future research in the field of innovative materials and 3D printing.
V.
VI.
OTHER ASPECTS OF BIOMIMICRY FABLAB
Up to now, we have described the concrete effects of the tools and machines of digital fabrication present in every fablab on architectural design process i.e. the way how they enable architects to implement more of the biomimetic concept in their work. However, this is not where biomimicry in a fablab ends. The biomimetic "life cycle" paradigm can be applied to many processes taking place in a fablab, including the entrepreneurial side. What is implied by the "life cycle" paradigm? It implies the circular nature of the processes implemented in the fablab i.e. that the products made in a fablab can be also degraded and re-used making them fully recyclable. This is the basis of the circular economy which is dedicated to "closing the loop" of product lifecycles through greater recycling and re-use, with the aim of bringing benefits for both the environment and the economy[11]. This is well shown in the example of the Le Biome, the first European biomimicry fablab (hacklab) in Rennes, France. The scheme in fig. 7 shows how this fablab offers to its users, either individual or corporate, various services, such as (1) Ecoconception & environmental Management; (2) Sharing and exchanging ressources within companies (Ecology or industrial symbiosis) ;(3) Service Economy limited waste and new business models; (4) Re-employment; (5) Repair; (6) Re-Using; (7) Recycling, (8) Re-enrichment of the Biosphere [12] that can help in creating a biomimetic product or even a whole company, be it by mimicking the shape, material or the whole system of components found in nature. One example of such a product being made in Le Biome is completely biodegradable seaweed-based material for filaments used in FDM 3D printers. The other example is a plant-based latex-like material that is more sustainable than rubber and contains less allergens which renders it more suitable for use in hospitals and biochemical laboratories (e.g. for gloves)[ 13].
Fig. 7 Organizational scheme of Le Biome, first European biomimicry fablab
CONCLUSION
Recent technological innovations reveal fresh approaches to applying biomimicry to architecture, solving design problems and creating a more sustainable built environment. Innovative computer models allow creativity, coupled with the prodigious precision in the design process. Future investigation of digital fabrication and design robotics, and the corroborating technologies including the material research, is specifically important for the biomimetic architectural models as these are characterized by perplexing and vibrant three-dimensional architectural forms and boundless opportunities for further exploration. Technological innovations that transform design and construction processes galvanize the paradigm shifts in contemporary architectural design. With the numerically controlled design and biomimetic architectural research, a vast majority of the past and even of the present construction practices seems inappropriate, even irrelevant to a certain extent. Including fablabs, in particular biofablabs and biomimicry fablabs in the process of architectural design, will enable architects to more efficiently implement the concepts of the sustainable architecture. This stands true both from the technical point of view, regarding the use of the digital fabrication fablab tools as well as from the wider perspective, where the "collective intelligence" or the hive mind of the fablab community that comprises of people with various backgrounds, including biologists, can provide entirely new concepts and ideas. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
This research has been realized within framework of projects [TR 35046, ON174028 and 11141007] funded by the Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development of the Republic of Serbia. REFERENCES
[1]
J.M. Harkness, A lifetime of connections-Otto Herbert Schmitt, 19131998. Phys. Perspect See, 2001.
[2]
J. Benyus, Biomimicry - Innovation Inspired by Nature, Harper Collins Publishers, New York, 1997.
[3]
M. Pawlyn, Biomimicry in Architecture. London: Riba Publishing, 2011.
[4]
J. Frazer, An Evolutionary Architecture. Association, 1995.
[5]
A. Vuja, V. M. Colic-Damjanovic, Instant City: Architectural Experiments. Belgrade: University of Belgrade, Faculty of Architecture, 2013, pp 28-39.
[6]
J. Excell, S. Nathan, "The rise of additive manufacturing I In-depth I The Engineer," 2010 [online] http://www.theengineer.co.uk/in-depth/the-bigstory/the-rise-of-additive-manufacturing/1002560.article [Accessed: 30 May 2016].
[7]
M. Fairs, C. Barrett, B.Hobson, E. Chalcraft, P. Buck, R. Etherington, L. Critchlow, E. Himelfarb, J. Madden, "Print Shift, Iss. 1.," 2014, pp 3136.
London:
Architectural
[8]
N. Oxman, M. Kayser, J. Laucks, M. Firstenberg, "Robotically Controlled Fiber-based Manufacturing as Case Study for Biomimetic Digital Fabrication. Green Design, Materials and Manufacturing Processes, " 2013, p. 473. [9] N. Oxman, Material-based Design Computation. Ph.D. Cambridge: Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 2010. [10] R. Rael, 3d printing powder compositions and methods of use, US Patent US 20140252672 AI, 2014. [11] E. Commission, Circular Economy Strategy: Closing the loop - An EU [online] action plan for the Circular Economy. 20 16 http://ec.europa.eu/environment/circular-economy/index_en.htm. [Accessed: 28 May 2016]. [online] [12] L. Biome, Sustainability and Adaptability. 2016 http://lebiomefablab.wix.com/lebiome - !quoi-en/p6r7w. [Accessed: 30 May 2016]. [13] Thunderclap, 2015 [online] https://www.thunderclap.it/en/projects/19680-biomimicry-is-yours. [Accessed: 28 May 2016].
