Robotics & Biomimicry in Architecture: Design a Self-Sustaining Floating Playground

Virtually Maker Faire 2020

May 22nd-23rd

This project gets kids thinking about one of the most critical wicked problems that future generations will face; sea level rise. Here, we imagine solutions for living - and thriving - on water. Children are introduced to robotic architecture and how architects use nature and animals to guide design innovation as they design and build a self-sustaining floating playground. From drones that weave buildings and a pavilion that takes its structure from beetle wings, participants will see how robotically fabricated structures use materials from apples, trees, insect exoskeletons and bones for inspiration and material in buildings - a type of architecture we call biomimicry.

Children will design and build their own self-sustaining floating playground with objects they find around the house. While this is not a step-by-step "how to" class, we will get the kids motivated, inspired and started so that they are ready to explore their own imaginative ideas for vertical farming and hydroponics as well as wind, solar and hydro power generation.

Our project is delivered through 2 short pre-recorded "on demand" videos: a Project Video (23 minutes) that provides context and inspiration, and a Scavenger Hunt Demo Video (18 minutes) that helps explain what sorts of objects might work for the model and illustrates a few suggestions on how to make composite pieces for their project.