elaine ng: techno naturology

‘the SAD house’ details of the closing roof top

UK-based textile designer elaine ng has developed techno naturology, a project whose main focus is based on the design principle of biomimicry.

‘naturology’ is a hybrid word that combines nature and technology. techno ‘naturology’ means using artificial technology to activate and stimulate nature’s technology in order to create a tectonic movement. in this context, tectonic is when the behavior of nature subtly weaves back into the urban landscape. the movement of the textile becomes an exchange between the urban space and its environment, resulting in architectonic movement. the vision of ‘naturology’ tectonic movement is not jut about mimicking the behavior of nature, but adding a sense of fluidity and functional responsiveness to the architecture, facilitating it to complement and harmonize with its environment.

the project aims to explore the function of the symbiotic relationship between shape memory alloys / polymers and the natural sensing system of wood. the intrinsic qualities of natural and artificial materials are investigated using the hybrid tectonic system to challenge preconceived limitations and increase the potential of textiles.

nature’s endlessly evolving patterns – environmentally responsive tectonic structures – can be studied so that the design can both mimic and create new structures. this investigation explores the potential of nature’s sensing system along with the characteristics of shape memory alloy / polymers to create functional responsive structures and surfaces, considering how the current construction system can be improved to suit a future, more efficient way of living.

Techno Naturology from Elaine Ng Yan Ling on Vimeo.

ng has developed two collections based on these principles: 1) seasonal dreamland architectural concept collection and 2) alive furnishing collection.

seasonal dreamland architectural concept collection the aim of this collection was to experiment and challenge traditional ideas of shelter and invite nature to take control within the development of architecture. this collection is a proposal of how this material could be used on a large scale for architectural purposes.

‘the SAD house’ rooftop detail

‘the SAD house’ is living architecture influenced by seasonal affected disorder (SAD). this piece of conceptual architectural design is made out of shape memory polymers and wood veneer. the concept tackles the SAD problem that some people suffer from in winter. the architectural shape changes through heat. having ‘laced’ the roof, it captures light in winter, to project shadows indoors, enhancing or mimicking the experience of having the sun indoors. the roof is closed in summer, employing a directive to go outdoors and absorb more sunlight.

‘seasonal morphing house’

the layered flaps of the ‘seasonal morphing house’ behave individually according to how they have been programmed. one micro movement might not be noticed, but when a group of flaps move at a similar time, they create a holistic effect that can be visually sensed. the core structure of the design is achieved by woven cane but the shape is morphed and shaped by nature.

detail of flaps

‘the cluster’

‘the cluster’ creates a moving surface that changes when a source of energy is present, allowing the ‘satellites’ to change shape and project different shadows. the driving focus of the design was to create a piece that exhibited individual behaviour within the same environment. as each cluster is made up of different compositions of shape memory material, their responses are independent from one another yet still exist in the same context. ‘the cluster’ mimics, on a macro level, the behaviour of leaves on a tree.

detail of satellites on ‘the cluster’

alive furnishing collection the second collection explores the functional tectonic movement found in the behaviour of wood. taking this data, the resulting tectonic design aims to imrpove the daily experience of the user, in the guise of miniature intervention of space. the application and the shape memory material composition can be achieved within both short and medium terms.

‘super lux’ hotel collection

‘super lux’ fabric has an intelligence which reacts to the outdoor movement of the hotel. the fabric moves when an individual walks past the exterior of the hotel, creating an invisible spatial dialogue between the people and the fabric.

moving flaps of ‘super lux’

‘the flapper’

the design of ‘the flapper’ was influenced by the natural intelligence of wood and the construction of weaving, which resulted in a free flexible structure and a malleable surface. the flaps on the woven surfaces are heat responsive, moving in accordance with the temperature of its surrounding.

detail of ‘the flapper’

the ‘breathing grain’

the ‘breathing grain’ is a combination of natural shape memory ingredients that react to heat and moisture. wood is fused with shape memory polymers, enabling the material to move when triggered.

details of the ‘breathing grain’

‘rewarding nature’

‘rewarding nature’ is a collection that makes nature’s microscopic movements evident. when a piece is placed near an indoor plant, the wood polymer flaps will ‘dance’ when the plant is watered, implying a silent ‘thank you’ to the user. shape memory polymer is the fundamental smart technology used within this design, enabling the veneer to move when triggered. the veneer is a constantly unstable surface, as the grain consistently swells and shrinks depending on the moisture content and temperature of the room.

dancing branches of ‘rewarding nature’

detail of ‘rewarding nature’