Knowledge Base Repository
In addition to research papers, the Design Society is developing several valuable resources for those interested in the study of design. These include a repository of PhD theses, a library of case studies and transcripts of design activities, and an archive of our newsletters. Please note that these resources are accessible exclusively to Design Society members.
A BIOMIMETIC GENERATIVE DESIGN FRAMEWORK: SIMULATING SILKWORM SILK TAPESTRY IN HOUDINI FOR PRODUCT AND EDUCATIONAL APPLICATIONS
Dickerson, Jacob E.; Bunn, Benjamin; Howell, Bryan F.
Type:
Year:
2025
Editor:
Bohemia, Erik; Buck, Lyndon; Grierson, Hilary
Author:
Series:
E&PDE
Institution:
Brigham Young University, United States of America
Page(s):
583 - 588
DOI number:
ISBN:
3005-4753
ISSN:
978-1-912254-22-4
Abstract:
Nature has long inspired innovation in design by offering insights into sustainable and meaningful structures and processes. This research explores how integrating computational design tools with biological processes by mimicking the silk-spinning behaviour of Bombyx mori silkworms can inform product design renderings. When placed on flat surfaces, silkworms produce intricate, non-woven, flat silk tapestries that deviate from their natural cocoon structures. Phase 1 of this study involved raising silkworms and observing their silk-spinning behaviours under controlled conditions. These observations informed Phase 2, where computational tools, specifically Houdini software, were employed to simulate the natural flat spinning patterns of the silkworms to create a geometry node for application on rendered product design surfaces. Phase 3 applied the node on a rendered Isamu Noguchi lamp. Results include successfully utilizing silkworms to develop a flat woven silk sheet, creating a geometry node in Houdini, and applying the pattern algorithm in a computer rendering as the shade of a Noguchi-style lamp. This study demonstrates how biologically inspired patterns inform product development and presents a novel framework for product aesthetics. The paper provides photographs and renderings for each of the phases.
Keywords:
