BOWOOSS: bionic optimized wood shells with sustainability
In architecture, shell construction is used for the most efficient, large spatial structures. Until now the use of wood rather
played a marginal role, implementing those examples of architecture, although this material offers manifold advantages,
especially against the background of accelerating shortage of resources and increasing requirements concerning the
energy balance. Regarding the implementation of shells, nature offers a wide range of suggestions. The focus of the
examinations is on the shells of marine plankton, especially of diatoms, whose richness in species promises the discovery
of entirely new construction principles. The project is targeting at transferring advantageous features of these organisms
on industrial produced, modular wood shell structures. Currently a transfer of these structures in CAD - models is taking
place, helping to perform stress analysis by computational methods. Micro as well as macro structures are the subject of
diverse consideration, allowing to draw the necessary conclusions for an architectural design. The insights of these tests
are the basis for the development of physical models on different scales, which are used to verify the different
approaches. Another important aim which is promoted in the project is to enhance the competitiveness of timber
construction. Downsizing of the prefabricated structural elements leads to considerable lower transportation costs as
abnormal loads can be avoided as far as possible and means of transportation can be loaded with higher efficiency so that
an important contribution to the sustainability in the field of architecture can also be made.