Scaling Nature (2) - Fibres, Muscles and Bones

This "MoA design studio" is carried out in cooperation with the Research Cluster "Matters of Activity. Image Space Material" and explores the inner activity of materials and their potential for design strategies in order to develop new concepts for structural, energetic and functional efficiency. We will upscale principles from nature into a spatial context.

In close cooperation with Max-Planck-Institute of Kolloids and Interfaces Potsdam / Department of Biomaterials we will investigate the dynamic interplay of fibrous elements in natural systems and transfer them into principles for differential surfaces. How do natural components perform as actors ( muscles ), tensile elements ( tendrons ) or structural scaffolds ( bones ) ? We will look specifcally into the world of fish bones and into the musculoskeletal composition of animal movements.

The task is to develop a 2D/3D surface as a ( fibrous ) material system, that performs between differing states: hard and soft, straight and curved, expanded and compressed, open and closed… The experimental findings derived from principles of shape and movement in nature will be the formal and functional base for our design concepts and developments.

By scaling the findings, new translations for construction, geometry and materiality have to be developed. We will also examine and analyse structural systems and functional principles in architecture. In cooperation with scientists from the field of biomaterials and biology, we will explore and develop novel concepts for active surfaces, that could be used for applications in a spatial context.

We will start with an intense workshop input week from Wed Oct 16 – Wed Oct 23 ( obligatory for participants ), exact times will be announced.

Wed 16.10 Project start and introduction, Lecture Prof. Christiane Sauer, First Assignment
Thu 17.10 Lecture Dr. Khashayar Razghandi, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials
Fri 18.10 Dean Lab visit Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Potsdam Golm
Mon 21.10 Nyakatura Lab visit, HU Campus Nord, Mitte
Tue 22.10 Lecture Dr. Lorenzo Guiducci, Cluster of Excellence Matters of Activity + Tutorials
Wed 23.10 Field Trip Naturkundemuseum Berlin

The project is in cooperation with Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Cluster of Excellence "Matters of Activity", Dr. Lorenzo Guiducci ( Biomechanics ), Prof. Dr. John Nyakatura ( Morphology ) and Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Dr. Mason Dean ( Musculoskeletal Systems), Dr. Khashayar Razghandi ( Biomaterials ) and Prof.Dr.Dr.h.c.Peter Fratzl (Biomaterial Structures).