The Institute for Computational Design (ICD) and the Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) at the University of Stuttgart have completed the ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion for 2014-2015.

You can watch a video about the project – here

About the project

The ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2014-15 demonstrates the architectural potential of a novel building method inspired by the underwater nest construction of the water spider.

Through a novel robotic fabrication process an initially flexible pneumatic formwork is gradually stiffened by reinforcing it with carbon fibers from the inside.

The resulting lightweight fiber composite shell forms a pavilion with unique architectural qualities, while at the same time being a highly material-efficient structure. For a more in-depth description, click here.

The finished project

The Development Process

Photographs by ICD/ITKE University Stuttgart