The underwater nest construction of the water spider has inspired the latest research build at the University of Stuttgart.
The Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) created the nest-like pavilion with the help of robotics for the ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2014-15.
The web building process of the diving bell water spider, (Agyroneda Aquatica) was examined and its design rules were transferred into a technological fabrication process.
Using a robotic fabrication process, the initially flexible formwork is gradually stiffened with carbon fibres from the inside to form the pavilion.
This prototype was a year and half in the making by researchers and students of architecture, engineering and natural sciences.
The ICD / ITKE Research Pavilion 2014-15 measures 40sq m with a span of 7.5m and a height of 4.1m. The total construction weight is 260kg.
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