Tessellated Skins and Shells
Designing biology-informed wearables for context-sensitive protection and support
Felix Rasehorn, 2024
Tessellated Material Systems (TMS) in nature are made of a periodic change between rigid tiles and a soft interfacing tissue. The basic principle of their functioning lies in the structural duality that allows for combining flexibility and protection. This practice-based research transfers insights from biological findings into design practice, to develop design strategies for customization and adaptability in wearable protection and support. In close collaboration with natural scientists over 120 tessellated organisms have been classified, prioritizing formal similarities over genetic relatedness. Form-giving parameters like: Tile Shape, Tile Interaction, Pattern Granularity, and Layout have been digitally remodeled with parametric design tools. As digital design directly interfaces with digital manufacturing capabilities, intricate physical models have been created to explore pattern behaviours. The established taxonomy provides a precise formal and verbal vocabulary todevelop systematic and production-ready designs. In two case studies, the potential of tessellation for designing context-sensitive wearable membranes is demonstrated. The first study explores tessellation as a strategy to fit and support asymmetrical body topologies. Based on a context-sensitive approach to tiling, where each tile responds individually to ergonomic, aesthetic, or production-specific preferences, it was found that pattern asymmetry allows for fine-grained customization that leads to an improved fit and comfort for the wearer. The second design project draws from the cross-species properties of the tessellated boxfish carapace. Growth-specific principles of pattern adaptation are transferred into the design of customizable protective gear, focusing on the inherent challenge of balancing children’s dynamic growth with the fixed design of protective gear.
The thesis explores design strategies for customization and adaptability through the lens of tessellation. Tessellation is identified as a hierarchical building principle that allows to create functionally opposing features from the same material. The shape of tiles, and their arrangement, allow us to combine user preferences, functional needs, and professional look development, while the gradual distribution and the deliberate arrangement of tiles allow for designing extremely fine-grained transitions between functional zones.
Tessellated Skins and Shells
Designing biology-informed wearables for context-sensitive protection and support
Felix Rasehorn, 2024
Tessellated Material Systems (TMS) in nature are made of a periodic change between rigid tiles and a soft interfacing tissue. The basic principle of their functioning lies in the structural duality that allows for combining flexibility and protection. This practice-based research transfers insights from biological findings into design practice, to develop design strategies for customization and adaptability in wearable protection and support. In close collaboration with natural scientists over 120 tessellated organisms have been classified, prioritizing formal similarities over genetic relatedness. Form-giving parameters like: Tile Shape, Tile Interaction, Pattern Granularity, and Layout have been digitally remodeled with parametric design tools. As digital design directly interfaces with digital manufacturing capabilities, intricate physical models have been created to explore pattern behaviours. The established taxonomy provides a precise formal and verbal vocabulary todevelop systematic and production-ready designs. In two case studies, the potential of tessellation for designing context-sensitive wearable membranes is demonstrated. The first study explores tessellation as a strategy to fit and support asymmetrical body topologies. Based on a context-sensitive approach to tiling, where each tile responds individually to ergonomic, aesthetic, or production-specific preferences, it was found that pattern asymmetry allows for fine-grained customization that leads to an improved fit and comfort for the wearer. The second design project draws from the cross-species properties of the tessellated boxfish carapace. Growth-specific principles of pattern adaptation are transferred into the design of customizable protective gear, focusing on the inherent challenge of balancing children’s dynamic growth with the fixed design of protective gear.
The thesis explores design strategies for customization and adaptability through the lens of tessellation. Tessellation is identified as a hierarchical building principle that allows to create functionally opposing features from the same material. The shape of tiles, and their arrangement, allow us to combine user preferences, functional needs, and professional look development, while the gradual distribution and the deliberate arrangement of tiles allow for designing extremely fine-grained transitions between functional zones.
