Nervous System Grows A Trellis

Recently, we were able to take our generative design practice to new heights: architecture! We designed an intricate, leaf-inspired pattern to clad a greenhouse in Philadelphia, PA. The work was commissioned by SMP Architects who are renovating the Horticultural Center at Fairmount Park. The patterns will be used to create a perforated facade for the building, that functions both as a shade and a trellis. A botanical garden is a fitting setting for our work, and we are intrigued by the idea that the structure will gradually be overgrown by climbing plants.

We also created another set of screens for a vestibule in the building. We generated the patterns with our Xylem software which is based on how veins form in leaves. The main design constraint was that the client wanted a pattern that varied gradually in density and would be suitable for laser cutting in plywood. The renovation is still underway, and we can’t wait to see it once it is complete.