International Lace Day: The Lace & Space Collaboration
Lace-making, a craft with a rich history, has found an unexpected connection in the fields of engineering and structural mechanics. At Princeton University, a collaboration between artists and engineers has explored the intricate patterns of lace to inspire innovative designs with potential applications in architecture and technology. This blog will provide an overview of the project’s history, the individuals involved, and the significant results that emerged from this unique partnership.
The Genesis of the Project
The project began with Lauren Dreier, a doctoral student at Princeton’s School of Architecture and a professional artist-designer. While examining a 19th-century book by German architect Gottfried Semper, Dreier discovered intricate lace-inspired patterns that sparked her interest. Intrigued, she decided to recreate these patterns in 3D using a ribbon-like plastic material.
To her surprise, the structure she built took on an unexpected geometry, forming four distinct hills and valleys instead of the anticipated dome shape. This outcome prompted her to reach out to Sigrid Adriaenssens, an associate professor in Princeton’s Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.
A Unique Collaboration
Recognizing the potential for exploration, Adriaenssens and Dreier embarked on a joint investigation to understand the mechanics behind the observed structural behavior. This collaboration expanded to include a talented team of researchers:
Lauren Dreier: Artist and doctoral student
Sigrid Adriaenssens: Associate professor of civil and environmental engineering
Tian Yu: Postdoctoral researcher in Adriaenssens' lab
Stefana Parascho: Princeton School of Architecture
Stefano Gabriele: Roma Tre University
Francesco Marmo: University of Naples Federico II
Together, they set out to explore the complexities of lace patterns and their structural implications.
Exploring the Mechanics of Lace
The research team focused on creating what they termed a “bigon ring”—a reconfigurable structure inspired by lace designs. By adjusting the design parameters, they discovered that they could produce multiple geometries, each arising from different looping behaviors. This exploration led to several significant findings:
Development of a Numerical Framework: The team created a numerical framework applicable to any elastic rod network, whether made of thread, bamboo, or plastic.
Shape-Changing Structures: Their research indicated the potential for creating new products and technologies capable of changing shape to enhance performance under varying conditions.
Discovery of Unexpected Behaviors: By adjusting angles or widths in their designs, the researchers could achieve entirely different structural behaviors.
Publication of Findings: The culmination of their work was published in the Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids, sharing their insights with the broader scientific community.
Applications Beyond Art
The implications of this research extend into various fields, including:
Space Technology: Designing materials that can be compactly packed for launch and then expand into larger structures in space.
Soft Robotics: Development of innovative soft robotic arms that can adapt to different tasks.
Wearable Technology: Creation of textiles that can stiffen or loosen to support various body positions.
Architecture: Inspiration for new structural designs that incorporate the elegance of lace patterns.
The Power of Interdisciplinary Collaboration
This project exemplifies the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration. By merging artistic intuition with scientific inquiry, the team at Princeton University has demonstrated how seemingly unrelated fields can come together to drive innovation. The intersection of lace-making and structural mechanics honors traditional crafts while paving the way for advancements in technology and design.
For more about the project check out the link below.
https://cee.princeton.edu/news/technique-inspired-lace-making-could-someday-weave-structures-space
