Spin
Bio-inspired computational design
This project draws inspiration from silkworms’ intricate silk-spinning patterns, building on Neri Oxman’s groundbreaking study that explored the intersection of biology, computation, and design. Inspired by her work, I sought to further investigate how simulating these natural behaviors computationally could inform innovative, bio-inspired designs that seamlessly blend function and form.
Client
Personal
Skills
Biomaterials Research Experimental Design Interspecies Collaboration
Industries
Bio-Based Design
Date
January 2024
The designs were directly influenced by the spinning patterns and behaviors of silkworms, which were meticulously studied to understand how they create their silk. By observing their movements and the intricate structures they form on flat surfaces, I was able to translate these natural processes into design principles. These behaviors provided a foundation for exploring how patterns of repetition, density, and flow could inform bio-inspired aesthetics and functional forms.
Using Houdini FX, I explored various methods to simulate the spinning patterns observed in silkworm behavior. Each iteration represents a step in refining the computational process to better capture the natural flow, density, and layering of silk. These experiments allowed me to translate organic spinning behaviors into digital simulations. The collection of images highlights the progression of this exploration, showcasing the evolution of the simulated patterns.
After identifying the closest visual pattern, I simulated a cocoon shape and compared the results with both a standard image and a microscopic image of a real cocoon. This comparison allowed me to analyze the similarities and differences, revealing insights into the structural intricacies and textural nuances of natural silk. The process highlighted how closely the simulation could replicate organic forms while uncovering areas where nature's complexity remains unmatched.
Pictured is the Houdini geometry node responsible for generating the spinning pattern. This node disperses a series of points across a defined shape, using algorithms to randomize their placement, connect them based off of proximity, and smooth the resulting geometry. The final form is then transformed into a solid shape using the Polywire node, allowing the simulated pattern to resemble the natural complexity of silk spinning.
I then applied this geometry node to the form of a paper Noguchi lamp, simulating how a lampshade spun by silkworms might appear. This approach allowed me to merge natural spinning behaviors with a functional design object, reimagining the traditional lampshade through a bio-inspired lens. The result is a unique interplay between organic patterns and modern aesthetics.
This project bridges the gap between nature and design by drawing inspiration from the intricate silk-spinning behaviors of silkworms. Through computational simulations and careful observation, I was able to replicate and reinterpret these natural patterns into functional and aesthetic design objects. The exploration culminates in the creation of a lampshade that embodies the harmony between organic processes and human craftsmanship, showcasing the potential of bio-inspired design to elevate everyday objects with beauty and innovation.