Researchers at the Institute for Computer-Based Design and Construction (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart, led by Prof. Achim Menges, have now developed furniture that assembles itself as if by magic. They summarize the concept under the name HygroShape. It is not only the forces of form that are at work here, but also the possibilities of digitalization.
In their concept, researchers Dr. Dylan Wood and Laura Kiesewetter at the ICD benefit from the intrinsic property of wood: the cell walls expand when wet and contract when dry. This knowledge can be used for targeted changes in shape. Once the furniture has been shaped, the parts interlock mechanically to create stability.
So far, the furniture produced - a lounge chair and a chaise longue - are one-off pieces. However, with their company hylo-tech, the researchers want to test the marketability of the technology with a limited series. The project was supported by an internal grant from the University of Stuttgart's Knowledge and Technology Fund as well as by Henkel AG, Schönweiler GmbH and Gettylab.
Source and further information: University of Stuttgart/icd.uni-stuttgart.de/en/projects/hygroshape/hylo.tech
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