Bionic-Inspired Kinetic Structures for Application in Design, Architecture and Art

Abstract

The main goal of this master's thesis is to contribute to the design and study of a form suitable for the development of products driven by natural influences. A specific goal is to explore modern trends in the field of industrial design and modern technological advances as a theoretical basis, necessary to create an innovative concept solution of a modular bionic form and structure that can be driven by natural influences. The master's thesis as a theoretical basis applies three disciplines: bionics, kinetic sculpture and modular design. Bionics offers numerous opportunities for inspiration, both aesthetically and functionally. This paper uses one of the most common natural phenomena known as the Fibonacci sequence, the golden ratio, which is the main motive for creating the end result of the entire research. Kinetic sculpture as a new branch in the art of modern times has contributed to the introduction of a new fourth dimension, the dimension of movement. The modular approach is a modern way of building a form, and then a way of producing it. The aggregate results of these interdisciplinary studies have been applied and verified through a reactive fin design. Several variants of nature-inspired shapes and modular kinetic structures are offered that could be applied in different types of products with the possibility of moving under the influence of natural phenomena such as wind, rain, sea waves, etc. These shapes and structures could be used in the design of industrial products and architectural objects, but also in the design of equipment, furniture, toys for children, and of course in more complex engineering solutions.