Pattern Recognition & Algorithmic Description

EMILY

The tree „Pandanus utilis“ was found at botanical garden Berlin. Its trunk structure catches the eye immediately because it differs much from other trees. Most trees grow one solid trunk out of the ground and develop branches when growing taller. This tree seems to do the opposite: smaller branches grow from the ground to form the solid trunk. The branches form a geometric cone-like form. It seems that three smaller branches tend to cohort so that the branches form groups before joining together into the trunk. 

Algorithmic Logic of one branch

• Start: growing from ground into direction of sunlight 
• Detect any growing branches in reachable distance
• If detected, form group of three to continue growing into one bigger branch
• Repeat growing behavior until a large trunk is formed out of the branch-groups

FABIAN

The mineral “Wismuth” was found at the Museum of Natural History in Berlin.

Its geometric structure catches the eye immediately because it differs much from other natural crystals.

Most mineral formations follow organic or chaotic patterns – this one appears nearly artificial: it grows in sharp right angles, forming steps and terraces that look like a miniature cityscape.

Algorithmic Logic

•  A small central cube is formed — the seed of the structure.
•  A layer is added around the existing structure, forming a frame with sharp right angles.
• This layer does not completely wrap around — at certain edges, growth is deliberately left out, creating open L- or C-shapes.
•  The next layer is added outwards, forming a visible step.
• The new layer must maintain a minimum distance from the last „abrupt end“ of the previous layer.
• This creates irregular terraces with complex geometry.
• A new outer layer is only grown if enough space exists between the open edges of the previous frame when growth zones get too close, crystallization halts to avoid overlap.
• This step-wise growth continues, following the same logic:
• Add a new partial frame outward, respect gap distances, offset the position slightly, avoid overlapping ends.
• Growth stops when:
• All gaps between open layer edges fall below the minimum distance threshold, or/and available space is exhausted.
• Result:
• A stepped, fractal-like structure with layered frames, sharp terraces, and asymmetric cutouts.

LOUIS

1. Observation 

This image was taken at the Museum of Natural History in Berlin. It shows a  mineral specimen of Aragonite (Eisenblüte) found in Eisenerz near Leoben, Austria. The structure displays intricate, branching crystal formations that resemble a coral-like or frost-like growth. The white, needle-like projections extend in all directions, forming a complex, almost „chaotic“ network.

2. Identify a Pattern or Behavior

•  Repetition of branch-like forms
• Radial symmetry from central core
• Randomness in angle and length of branches
• Rule-based growth (likely based on energy minimization or molecular geometry in nature)

3. Algorithmic Logic Description

•  Recursion: each branch spawns further branches
• Randomness: angles and number of branches vary within a range
• Rule-based structure: all branches originate from existing ones and do not overlap excessively

Concept Phase

We started with the idea of enhancing animal life in cities. First, we wanted to create a common space for birds, bats and insects, as they all suffer from human urbanization. Soon we noticed that all animals have very different needs that can not be combined easily. Thus, we focussed on bats as there are, compared to the other species mentioned, few solutions. Bats are important insect regulators and pollinators and suffer from light pollution and a lack of breeding options in the city. The most known breeding station for bats in Germany is a wooden box (see image). These boxes do not mimic the natural habitat of bats, which are caves, and are mostly installed on trees, that lack in many cities. Following these observations and after doing research on living habits of bats, we decided on creating a bat shelter that mimics a cave system and can be installed at various places. It aims to create a coexistence with different bat species. The first sketch was a box with an integrated cave system and we test printed this version. In a conversation with our supervisors we concluded that the outer structure of our shelter should also reflect the inner structure. The cave should be one inside and out. The Following prototypes reflected this idea.

Miro Board: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVIHnyhew=/

Grashopper Development

The Grasshopper script served as the core tool for generating our cave system. It utilized both random and weighted points to create a network of interconnected lines, which we then transformed into a three-dimensional structure using Multi Pipe components. This process resulted in a complex, organic inner geometry that was intended to resemble a cave environment suitable for bats. The script allowed for quick experimentation with spatial logic, and while it offered a high level of control and flexibility, it also proved to be sensitive and difficult to manage when things didn’t go as planned.

Our First Prototype

Our first prototype was printed at home using a small desktop 3D printer. This test print focused on the internal cave structure and helped us to understand the physical translation of our digital geometry. Although limited in scale and resolution, the prototype revealed how the cave’s system behaved in printed form and exposed some early challenges, particularly regarding unsupported overhangs and transitions in the surface topology.

Test Printing with Weber DX025

The first test on the large Weber 3D printer marked a turning point in the project. While we were excited to scale up our model, the print quickly made it clear that our initial cave design, especially with its many stalagmite-like elements, was not feasible at this scale. The steep angles and delicate features led to printing issues, forcing us to rethink how to make the system printable without support or infill. To address this, we adapted the geometry by filtering out all lines that resulted in angles below 70 degrees, effectively reducing overhangs and improving structural stability.

Challenges and Learnings

Throughout the process, we faced a lot of challenges but also learned a lot. The finer details of the stalagmitic forms were incompatible with the constraints of large-format 3D printing. Grasshopper, was often unpredictable and difficult to troubleshoot when things didn’t behave as expected. Designing for support-free, infill-free printing introduced a set of constraints that required both technical and creative adaptation. Looking back, the upper surfaces of the cave system could have been made even more pointed to facilitate better printing results, but in a way, the imperfections in the final print reflect the unpredictability and irregularity of natural formations.

Result - THE BAT CAVE

The Bat Cave is a designed cave system that provides a dedicated space for bats to roost and breed, supporting their vital role in local ecosystems. By offering shelter for these often-overlooked pollinators and insect regulators, the project contributes to broader efforts in biodiversity conservation. 

Developed within the Symb-io-nts framework, Bat Cave reimagines design as a tool for co-existence rather than control. It explores how human-made artefacts can serve non-human species, challenging anthropocentric design norms. Using digital fabrication and computational design, the project creates forms inspired by biological needs – inviting new ways of thinking about design as a practice of care, collaboration, and ecological responsibility.

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Project Documentation