Digital bio-transformations inspired by plants: urban installation as 3d model inspired by sketch of spathodea campanulata p. beauv (nandi flame)

Abstract

The field of biodesign, as an art and scientific discipline, deals with the exploration of the principles of organization and functioning of living organisms and the practical application of the acquired knowledge in different digital technology projects. Two famous urban installations, one created by HQ architects in Jerusalem – four 9-meter high by 9-meter wide inflatable flowers that interacts with people, and ‘’My Equilibria”, an urban furniture design created by Vito Di Bari and Alfredo Tasca which people could use as exercise tools, were the main inspirations for his research as these two urban installations were inspired by different elements found in nature. Some of the previous researches and created 3D urban models was Natalie’s Ramonda pavilion and Bell flower bench and candelabra. Natalie’s Ramonda pavilion was inspired by endemic herbaceous plant in Serbia (Ramonda nathaliae P. et P.). This 3D model was 3D printed in Tokyo, Japan and exposed in few exhibitions in Serbia. Then, the next digital bio-transformation model was 3D urban model of bench and candelabra inspired by flower and linear shaped leaves of Bell flower (Campanula persicifolia L.). The representation of the digital bio-transformation process obtained in ArchiCAD software environment, which for result had 3D model proposition for possible urban installation, were the main aim of this research. The unique geometric patterns found in the flower of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv represented a good example of how we may transform nature ideas into innovative urban design solutions. African species Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv, whose common name in Kenya is Nandi flame was being selected for the purpose. Nandi flame is an indigenous specie in Kenya, with very decorative flower. This flower was the basic model, more precisely the precise botanical sketches of it. These sketches implemented into digital modelling software – ArchiCAD. The next step was creating a 3D model in shape of possible urban installation as bench. The results of these modelling processes were represented as 3D urban model in open space. This innovative design solution, in this research, represented as 3D model, was proposed as urban installation in open fitness space. The unique nature pattern found in the flower of Spathodea campanulata P. Beauv was a good base of transformation into actual design solution.