Fibrous structures: An integrative approach to design computation, simulation and fabrication for lightweight, glass and carbon fibre composite structures in architecture based on biomimetic design principles

In this paper the authors present research into an integrative computational design methodology for the design and robotic implementation of fibre-composite systems. The proposed approach is based on the concurrent and reciprocal integration of biological analysis, material design, structural analysis, and the constraints of robotic filamentwindingwithin a coherent computational designprocess. A particular focus is set on the development of specific tools and solvers for the generation, simulation and optimization of the fibre layout and their feedback into the global morphology of the system. The methodology demonstrates how fibre reinforced composites can be arranged andprocessed in order tomeet the specific requirements of architectural design andbuilding construction. Thiswas further tested through thedesign and fabrication of a full-scale architectural prototype. © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.