Gallery: This Bizarre Pavilion Was Inspired by an Underwater Spider

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    Roland Halbe
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    The ICD/ITKE at the University Stuttgart constructed its latest architectural research pavilion.
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    ICD/ITKE University Stuttgart
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    The pavilion is based on the handiwork of the diving bell spider, which builds its web underwater.
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    ICD/ITKE University Stuttgart
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    Here it is doing its thing.
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    ICD/ITKE University Stuttgart
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    The ICD/ITKE programmed a robotic arm to find the areas of stress in an inflated plastic membrane.
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    ICD/ITKE University Stuttgart
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    Then deposited a carbon fiber material in layers to give rigidity to the pavilion.
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    Roland Halbe
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    The membrane was then deflated, becoming essentially a skin on top of the carbon fiber skeleton.
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    Roland Halbe
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    Pretty darn cool.