EMERSON STEPP MArch

Biomimetic Shade - Frilled-Neck Lizard

Problem: In a team of two, design an arcitectural element to address a functional issue in Ralph Rapson Hall at the Univeristy of Minnesota that is Biomimetically inspired (inspired by "nature") My collegue Ben and I addressed the glare and general over exposure of the courtyard to light.

Solution:  We investigated the mechanism with which the Frilled-neck Lizard expands its frill to inform our design of a array of shade structures that could mechanically open or close based on environmental stimuli or occupant desire.   We attempted to mimic both the echanism and the effect of the extension to provide a dramatic as well as functional effect.

Team: B. Garrison

Primary Programs: AutoCAD, Rhino, Photoshop. Illustrator, 3D Studio Max, Laser Cutter for prototyping.