In a search to create new and functional structures, the trend today to create buildings modeled after nature, also known as biomimicry, is not something that is necessarily new to progressive architecture. Influences come from both micro and macro systems ranging from “flock organization” to cellular modulation.
Courtesy of © N55 + Anne Romme
The new Spaceplates Greenhouse is being utilized now by the students at South Bristol Academy in Hengrove Park, Bristol. It was designed by N55 and Anne Romme to explore the idea of biomimicry by taking influence from the ‘pure plate’ structure, a hexagonal geometry found in sea urchins and soccer balls.
Courtesy of © N55 + Anne Romme
What makes this type of system unique is its ability to combine both structure and cladding unlike a triangulated system which separates the two in order to create a double-curved surface.
Courtesy of © N55 + Anne Romme
In saying this, the ‘pure plate’ system also has the ability to span larger distances and vary in size and scale while also appearing light and simple.
Courtesy of © N55 + Anne Romme
