Biomimetic Design Lab

Congratulations to Riling Chen, Chi Un Lee, and Annie Wang, recipients of the Outstanding Design Work 3B (Correa Studio) Award and the OAA Awards.

In the earlier stages, paper models were folded to try and understand the function of the various plants' circumferential seams. Later, the project introduced experimentation of 3D printing filament onto tensile fabric, as well as looking into hygroscopic applications of wood veneers. In doing so, it was possible to replicate a very simplified model of the various plant forms and their mechanisms. Taking this into account, we proceed to the next stage of designing by taking these models into consideration.

Using the most recent and complete iterations of the prototypes, our proposal is to design a responsive roof structure that reacts to its surrounding environment. In our case, we look into roof gardens and try to activate the space for people, and create a safer environment for plants to grow. We propose and prototype two modules in the roof- one for the people and one for the plants- each responding to the different needs of the users. The plant module reacts to the weight of rainwater- which opens the module and allows for the plants to be watered, while protecting the plants from uv rays when closed. Meanwhile, the human module reacts to the weight of the users, where when the space under the roof is being used by people, it closes to shelter people from the sun/ the rain.