Wintersemester 2019/2020, BA/MA Textil- und Material-Design Exzellenzcluster , Textil_Startseite

Scaling Nature (2): Fibers, Muscles, Bones

Scaling Nature / MoA design studio is a series of interdisciplinary, experimental and innovative teaching, conducted by Prof. Christiane Sauer at weißensee school of art and design, berlin in the Department of Textile and Surface Design, in close collaboration with researchers from the Cluster of Excellence „Matters of Activity. Image. Space. Material“ (MoA).

Scaling Nature (2): Fibers, Muscles, Bones was dedicated to the following question: How do natural components perform as actors ( muscles ), tensile elements ( tendons ) or structural scaffolds ( bones )? Looking specifically into the world of fish bones, the musculoskeletal composition of animal movements and plant structures and by scaling these findings, this MoA design studio developed new translations for construction, geometry and materiality and thus generated novel concepts for active surfaces, that could be used for applications in a spatial context.

In close cooperation with the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam, especially with the Department of Biomaterials, the course investigated the dynamic interplay of fibrous elements in natural systems and transferred them into principles for differential surfaces. Over the course of the semester, various members of the Cluster “Matters of Activity” provided scientific lectures, tutorials, and continuous input, namely Dr. Mason Dean, Dr. Lorenzo Guiducci, Dr. John Nyakatura, Dr. Khashayar Razghandi, Iva Rešetar and Dr. Mareike Stoll.