Elytra Filament Pavilion  

 "THE FIBROUS STRUCTURES OF THE FOREWING

SHELLS OF FLYING BEETLES KNOWN AS ELYTRA”
• The pavilion’s canopy is made up
of 40 hexagonal component
cells, each weighing an average
of 45 kilograms.
• These cells were constructed
over a four-month period by a
robot at the University of
Stuttgart and assembled on site
at the Victoria and Albert’s John
Madejski Garden.
• the pavilion is made from glass and carbon fibers using a new
robotic technique that entails the winding of composite materials
by a robot arm.
• The passage and presence of visitors in and around the pavilion
will be detected by sensors in the canopy fibres, and will
ultimately affect how, and where, the structure grows.
• The white strands of the canopy are made of a soft glass fibre,
while the black strands are a much more rigid carbon fibre,
providing a stronger framework for each component of the
pavilion. 
• The fibres are saturated with a polymer resin, before being wound
onto the frame by the robot, giving each cell its own individual and
distinctive pattern of strands. 
BIOSHELL CENTER FOR
DISEASE CONTROL- TAIWAN

• Inspired by the elegant form of the Nautilus Shell.

• The twin nautilus shell structures are surrounded by a rolling 
green-roofed complex that provides insulation while blending
the project in with its surrounding environment.
• A large central atrium suffuses the interiors with light, and the
biolab’s beautiful facade acts as a brise-soleil that helps to
regulate interior climate while allowing light to filter through.
• Usually only visible to the naked eye, the structure of the outer
skin is laced with geometric patterns that represent the four
symbols of the DNA sequence of the dangerous bacteria being
studied within.
Izola Social Housing
TAKING ITS CUES FROM THE MODULAR HONEYCOMB
CLUSTERS OF A BEEHIVE
• The blocks are set out on a hill with a view of Izola Bay on one
side and of the surrounding hills on the other. Since the blocks
were subjected to a Mediterranean climate outdoor space,
shade was an important elements.
• The project proposed a veranda for each apartment, thus
providing an outdoor space that is intimate, partly connected
with the interior, shady and naturally ventilated.
•  The strong colours create different atmospheres within the
apartments. Boxes at the side of each balcony provide room for
air-conditioning units.
• Its semi-transparency of a textile shade allows the owner to
enjoy the views of the bay. 
• Balcony modules are designed as efficient system providing
shading and ventilation for the apartments. Textile elements
fixed on the front of the balconies block direct sunlight and
accumulate "air buffer" zone. In the summer hot accumulated
area behind the shadings is naturally ventilated through (10 cm
holes) perforated side partitions of the balconies. In the winter
the warm air stays in the area and provides additional heating to
the apartments.
GARDENS BY THE BAY
SUPER TREES PROVIDE THEMSELVES WITH WATER AND LIGHT
• This amazing garden is composed of 18 colossal, solar powered
“supertree” structures with a height of 20-25m, harbor several
exotic plants as well as two energy efficient biomes.
• The supertrees were designed with primarily the same principles
that allow for the success of natural trees. They use a system  of
collection and absorption for water distribution, eliminating the
need to water regularly.
• On top of these branches, photovoltaic solar cells collect massive
amounts of energy, which allows it to sustain the rest of the
supertree systems. The branches are spread out allowing for
maximum surface area for the solar panels.
• The energy of 11 trees is enough to illuminate all the buildings in
this part of the embankment and give multicolored lights at for
the “Garden Rhapsody” night show.
• Various tropical flowers and plant life are embedded into the
actual structure as well which maximizes the amount of foliage
as well as giving the supertrees a more natural, living look.
• On the trunks and in small greenhouses inside grown are about
163,000 of plants of 200 species, most of which are multicolored
moss species, orchids and tropical flowers that are watered
using the energy of the “super trees”.
HELIX BRIDGE
THE WORLD'S FIRST CURVED DOUBLE HELIX BRIDGE, INSPIRED
BY DNA
• This landmark bridge at Singapore’s Marina Bay is inspired by the
geometric arrangement of DNA, with a walkway encircled by
opposing double helix structures of stainless steel.
• The 280m-long bridge is the world’s first curved double-helix
bridge, and provides pedestrians a direct connection between
Marina Centre, the waterfront area and Marina Bay Sands
• At first glance, the bridge appears incapable of carrying substantial
load. However, Arup designed the bridge’s two delicate helix
structures to act together as a tubular truss – inspired by the
inherent strength of the curved DNA molecule.
•  DNA-inspired design through a series of dynamic multi-coloured LED
lights installed on the helix structures.
• The outward-facing luminaires accentuate the sweeping structural
curves, with another discreet array of lights illuminating the internal
canopy of glass and steel mesh to create a dynamic membrane of
light. The inner helix uses white light to illuminate a path for
pedestrians.
• Four viewing ‘pods’ extend out over the water, allowing visitors
a 360 degree view of the skyline. Glass openings in the floor
provide a connection to the water below.

One advantage of the

design was that less steel
was used compared with
box girders or cable
bridges. This saved millions
of dollars in construction
costs.