Termite mounds offer a fascinating architectural quandary: how is it possible that these towering structures (which include complex systems of openings, passages, large volumetric spaces, and even active ventilation systems and humidity regulation) are constructed with no centralised control or planning? The spatial complexity that these thousands of insects can collectively achieve has inspired a Harvard team to create TERMES, a project focused on programming an artificial robotic swarm to build modular structures.
TERMES Project: The Latest Architecture and News
TERMES: A Robotic Swarm That Collectively Constructs Modular Structures
https://www.archdaily.com/480158/harvard-team-develop-robotic-collective-construction-techniquesJames Taylor-Foster
The Termite Pavilion
The much anticipated Termite Pavilion arrived at the International Arts Pestival in London earlier this week. The Pestival is “a festival celebrating insects in art, and the art of being an insect…it is a rare creature: an international, inter-disciplinary, community-led festival.” Inspired by the Namibian termite mounds, the six square meter walk-in solid timber structure ”allows Pestival goers a unique insight into these extraordinary organic forms.”
More about the Pavilion after the break.
https://www.archdaily.com/34235/the-termite-pavilionKaren Cilento