Automated Arbortecture

‘Arbortecture’ is an abbreviation of ‘arboreal’ and ‘architecture’, and is often used to describe the practice of intentionally growing and shaping plants as a living medium into structures. Many artists have used living trees and other plants as media for structures and art, otherwise known as tree shaping. They employ techniques like framing, pruning and grafting to possibly form structures like archs or chairs. These braided structures from FloraRobotica are scaffolding structures with flexible wires inside that exploit the morphogenetic plasticity of plants to orient themselves to gather optimal energy (tropisms). The natural plant, in turn, supports and controls the robotic plant by guiding it through growth (e.g., towards light) and supporting the weight of the robot in later growth phases. Each robotic plant connects wirelessly to the Internet and the structure of the scaffolding is determined by the growth of the plants. In the Unbeweavable Room, these scaffolded plants are also fitted with lights that help to illuminate the room and serve as both a decorative and functioning piece of furniture.