As part of an ongoing research program at the University of Stuttgart, the Research Pavilion was created at the end of 2012 and forms the result of a collaboration between academics and students in Computational Design (ICD) and Structural Design (ITKE) at the university in addition to biologists from the University of Tubingen.
The design was based on the exoskeleton of a lobster and was constructed from layers of resin soaked glass and carbon fibres. A steel frame was erected on a turntable and purely by robotic means, the shell was woven over the frame. The steel frame was then removed and the lightweight, structurally sound pavilion remained as a perfect example of the possibilities of robotic fabrication.
The completed pavilion, which measures 8 metres in diameter and 3.5 metres in height, is just 4 mm thick and weighs a mere 5.6 kg per m2. This wonderful organic structure is located on the University campus in downtown Stuttgart.
