Responsive Wood Interfaces: Prototypes for Actuating Shape-Change in 3D Printed Wood
Elena Vazquez, Benay Gursöy
In this paper, we present the design process of an origami-inspired responsive wood interface that consists of 3D printed hygroscopic units. We propose a strategy for controlled and sequential bending response. A full factorial design of experiments is then conducted to determine the variables that maximize hygromorphic response. Analyzing the results of the experiments, we designed, fabricated, and tested the bimorph actuation of a larger installation. The research employs an analytical methodology with an exploratory research-through-design approach. It contributes to the growing body of literature on 4D printing wood-based composites.