Students and professors of Stuttgart University’s Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) designed ArboSkin, a pavilion composed of stud-like bioplastic panels containing over 90 percent renewable materials. The interdisciplinary team consisted of material scientists, architects, product designers, manufacturing technicians, and environmental experts. The freeform façade showcases structural properties of this new bioplastic for construction use.
Courtesy of © ITKE
From the project team: ‘Thermoformable sheets of bioplastics will represent a resource-efficient alternative [to oil-based plastics, glass, or metal] in the future, as they combine the high malleability and recyclability of plastics with the environmental benefits of materials consisting primarily of renewable resources.’
Courtesy of © ITKE
The bioplastic granulate is made into a sheet, which is then thermally formed into a pyramidal shape. The sheet is then taken to a band saw that cuts off the excess material. Finally it is taken to a CNC mill to cut out apertures in the modules. The beauty of this process is that the excess material can be re-granulated and fed back into the process, and the sheet material allows for versatility and ease of use. Once the basic modules are produced, they are assembled together by means of bracing rings and joists, creating a load-bearing, waterproof façade to the curved pavilion.
Courtesy of © ITKE
I am a designer, artist, and writer. My curiosity has led me on various explorations. My education at Virginia Tech has fostered this curiosity, where I've obtained a B.Arch with minors in Industrial Design and Landscape Architecture. Writing with Arch2O has brought me joy because it channels my interests. I take up these interests and carry this sense of wonder with me on my professional career.