Computational Design in UAE
Studio | Spring 2019 Nacre is the natural composite that makes up the iridescent outer layers of pearls. Inspired by the structural, material, and phenomenological properties of nacre, we developed a self-forming biopolymer and design project that shares the intrigue and beauty of nacre with the UAE public. Through rigorous testing of natural and synthetic materials, we found that a biopolymer made of calcium carbonate, chitosan, acid, and water (the same ingredients in natural nacre) when robotically printed in patterns derived from nacre crystal growth, would dramatically lift itself as it solidifies to create thin-frame 3D forms. The infinite formal possibilities of this system suggest an efficient, biodegradable architecture with a inherent framework for structural color, which we harness in our project to activate Abu Dhabi’s beachfront. Collaboration with Jaeho Park and Todd Petrie.
