Mehmet Efe Meraki
2022 Spring
BS724 Nature Informed Computational Design in Architecture
Archi-Dermaptera investigates a pattern-based approach to step forward the “ deployable & foldable ” potentials of architectural applications, regarding Dermaptera’s Hindwing Folding Mechanism as the reference source.
To be able to efficiently respond to multiple usage scenarios via a wholistic pattern’s foldable & deployable properties, architectural Systems & retrofitting scenarios need deployable structures to increase the adaptability of engineered solutions to various contexts: Efficiency / Adaptability / Deployability / Flexibility / Modularity
The re-coded pattern informed by the reference differentiates itself as an adjustable and flexible method that can take multiple inputs and give specific outputs customized through the necessities.
Although various wing folding patterns are commonly observable in nature, the species of Dermaptera (commonly Earwig), has the most efficient ratio among others : The packing areas on the hind wings of earwigs can reach up to about 1/15 of the original wing surface by folding them once fanwise and twice axially (*) Dermaptera’s uniquely evolved Hindwing Folding Mechanism and Pattern to efficiently pack and protect their hindwings while also increasing its ground mobility were taken as the reference considering also its resilin patches distributed through their uniquely structured wings, tracing the ring fold.
The folding pattern of earwigs and its prior analyses are interpreted by various studies based solely on the “Radial Folding lines, originating from the Squama hinge Although these studies offer a thorough understanding of a mathematical model it omits information about Resilin Patches and potential reinterpretations. Archi-Dermaptera steps forward to reconsider shared potentials of radial folding lines and resilin patches’ interconnection to further achieve a combined pattern :
+) Re-Coding Process:
1) Learning from the reference & previous studies. Initial pattern extraction (Radial Lines +Ring Fold)
2) Modulation Intro Re-coded Resilin patch. As a potential to change normal planes of cells. (Planar to Volumetric)
3) Following the pattern, configurations to increase the size are made possible: Certain flexibility on each stage were provided via the internal, continuous divisions.
+) Re-Coded Folding Pattern :
> Ability to switch between the Planar and Spatial
> Modular Panels – Elements
> As a basis, the pattern itself, can be interpreted through multiple scenarios:
Potential Cases which can serve under the Re-Coded Pattern:
Solar Energy Harvesting Systems :
One important domain may be solar energy harvesting because Archi-Dermaptera offers flexible & adaptable folding options. The pattern offers both planar and multiply- angled normals so that connected panels can be arranged as necessary. A simple solution that can be retrofitted through various scales is provided by differentiating the panels and structural configuration without compromising statical necessities.
Pop-Up Spatial Arrangements & Pavilions
Additional Facade Retrofits: Water Harvesting
Besides its foldable & pattern-wise efficiency, Interconnected Panels & their structuring elements creates subsequently angled continuity that can be considered to accumulate surface water in its self-created void, when necessary.