Researchers at the @UofMichigan in the US developed a system which can be used to make load-bearing structures like bridges and shelters using origami modules. Origami shapes are versatile components that can fold compactly and adapt into different shapes. For years, researchers have struggled to create origami systems with the necessary weight capacities while keeping the ability to quickly deploy and reconfigure. The researchers of the University of Michigan have done just that. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #origami #loadbearingorigamistructures #universityofmichigan #architecture #materialdistrict

An ongoing material research examining the inherent relationship between clay and metal. Terra Alchemny by @yuval.yh / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #materialresearch #clay #metal #yuvalharel #yhstudio #materialdistrict #terraalchemy #materialdesign

New York-based architecture studio @solidobjectives designed a 3D knitted textile installation, inspired by Bruges’ textile legacy. Called Common Threads and designed for Bruges Triennial in Belgium, the installation consists of playfully spiralling tunnels. It pays homage to the centuries-old history of lace making, and the embedded knowledge passed down by the women of Bruges through generations. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #3dknitting #textiles #architecture #pavilion #installation #bruges #brugestriennial #so-il #materialdistrict

Bamboo strips laminated together to create a round hollow tube or solid round beam. Bamboo N-Vision by @Mosobambooproducts / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materiaoftheday #materials #bamboo #boomingbamboo #mosointernational #moso #materialdistrict #architecture #nvision

Poll: Which cover do you like the most? We need your help in defining the best cover for the completely revisited edition of our bestseller Booming Bamboo (release May 2024). Please let us know which cover you prefer by leaving a comment below! Completely revised by author Pablo van der Lugt, the book features 30 new bamboo projects, updated content and a completely new chapter about Pablo's future vision for a thriving bamboo sector. The fully revised edition of Booming Bamboo will be released in about a month and will be available through Boomingbamboo.com! #Poll #BoomingBamboo #Bamboo #Book #Inspiration #PablovanderLugt #MaterialDistrict

Japanese designer @abeshiruko891020 created a stool made of bamboo strips and hemp cord. The main material used in the stool is bamboo. 591 strips of split bamboo were assembled and tied together with hemp cord soaked in water-based wood glue. The use of hemp cord was inspired by ‘yotsume gaki’, which is a simple Japanese bamboo fence, in the form of a lattice made with round bamboo. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #bamboo #boomingbamboo #furnituredesign #hemp #stool #arashiabe #materialdistrict

A leather alternative created from upcycled leftover apple waste. Leap by @Beyond.Leather / More at MaterialDistrict.com #materialoftheday #materials #leap #beyondleathermaterials #applewaste #materialdistrict #leatheralternative #biobasedmaterials

Researchers at @MIT in the US developed a 3D printer that can automatically identify the parameters of an unknown material on its own. Commonly used materials, like mass-manufactured polymers, have established sets of parameters that were perfected through tedious trial-and-error processes. To print a new material from scratch, you have to typically set up to 100 parameters in software that controls how the printer will extrude the material. Read more at MaterialDistrict.com #materialinspiration #mit #materialdistrict #3dprinting #3dprinter #additivemanufacturing