Designing with biomaterials for responsive architecture: a soft responsive "bio-structural" hydrogel skin

Synthetic biomaterials are not only widely explored in tissue engineering, but also present important opportunities in responsive architecture, especially soft structures and skins. In this paper we present how water-containing hydrogels can be adapted to digital fabrication techniques to design a soft responsive skin with integrated skeleton and surface. This research project details preliminary investigation into how tough hydrogels with different material properties can be designed and incorporated into laser-cutting and 3D printing methods typically
used in architectural design. The outcome of this research produces an early prototype of thermally sensitive, tough hydrogel skin that responds to environmental stimuli such as temperature and moisture. Our work provides initial insights into how a soft responsive ``bio-structural'' architectural skin can be designed by integrating actuation, structure, and skins.