Gravitational Lattice

The example of a natural creature from the deep sea points out the potential of space frame structures made with composite fiber. The Venus’ Flower Basket is a sponge and has a space frame structure from silicates. The enormous stability, which is achieved with little material, makes this sponge quite impressive. With generative design methods a space frame structure like that, composed of 3D printed glass fiber composite, was created. A parametrically programmed machine uses an extruder, gravity and magnetic pull to apply glass fibers in the shape of catenaries, creating a space frame. Each fiber is individually placed in space and optimized on gravitational forces. The additive manufacturing process could be an important part for a customizable and resource-efficient industrial production. The project is decorated by the Materialica Award and the Lucky Strike Award.

2015 designed at HfG Offenbach.
Assisted by Prof. Holzbach.