From a historical-genealogical perspective, modern culture and technology have been extensively built on passivated materials, like concrete, steel, plywood and glass. The modern techniques of material passivation account for the exhausting consumption of resources and energy – heavily contributing to the anthropogenic ecological crises of today. Against this paradigm, the interdisciplinary exploration of the inherent self-activity of (bio-)materials can be understood as a critical intervention towards novel modes of technicity and making: for the imagination of more sustainable futures and for a new culture of material.
Materials obtain their properties from their chemical composition and internal structure in relationship with their environment. The »Material Form Function« group gathers experts from Biology, Engineering, Surgery, Design, Architecture and the Humanities to explore material systems where micro- and macroscopic geometries and their associated properties interact at diverse structural levels to engender emergent (and often unexpected) behaviors/ functions, can react to their context, and can evolve through time. Leaving behind the hylomorphic schema of materiality, which considers matter as a passive, acontextual, isomorphic substance, our interdisciplinary inquiry will study, interact and design with active materials.
Project Structure & Overview
In »Material Form Function«, our scientific enquiry is structured around several thematic research strands. By combining methods from the Natural Sciences, Design and the Humanities, we aim at advancing the understanding of structure-function relationships in active material systems that can respond to, interact with or adapt to their environments. These research strands are not isolated, but strongly intertwined, mutually informing one another across the disciplines and highly collaborative.
In particular, we will focus on biological material based on fibers (Fiber-based and Shape Changing Materials, Experimental Surgery, Neo|Organs) and mineralized tesserae (Tessellated Materials Systems) as exemplary cases of materials in which three-dimensional arrangements of 1D and 2D building blocks are used to obtain multiple functions. We will also explore vascular structures found in extracellular matrices of organs and their regenerative role in natural sciences and design (Engineered Organs).
In parallel, this body of knowledge will be translated into the architectural context through practice-based research and experimental prototyping (Active Skins and Scaffolds). Material Activity and bio-inspiration will also be studied in regards to the current ecological urgency, questioning the logics of waste and cycles (Transient Materials and Functions). Finally, our aim is to develop a new theory and practice of design in which the strategies, tools, representations and research methods, functional performances and future applications are a necessary consequence of engaging with active materials (Behavioral Matter).
Transient Materials and Functions
From the problem of pollution to the circular economy and ecodesign strategies, materiality is becoming a crucial issue for scientific, technical, social and political considerations in regards to sustainability. Within the approach of MFF which focuses on the activity of materials, evolving through time and context, it can be argued that the notion of material waste does not have to be considered as a final state but rather a transitory step of reconfiguration. A different approach would not only involve working and developing materials capable of evolution and transformation, it also should seek to explore, question and rethink pursued functions and practices within sociotechnical contexts.
This research axis unfolds within 3 dimensions:
It will look into the activity of the materials in the sustainability discourse, and the problema and notion of waste, which is inherently linked to the anthropocentric industrialization paradigm of material passivation. The research will reflect on this ›legacy‹ in respect to questions of matters own activity, flow and transition, degradation and resilience, ecologies and contexts.
Shaped by boundary conditions, different from our design and manufacturing constraints, nature uses few basic elements to obtain a large variety of structures and functions. The research aims to abstract some of the core principles in biological material solutions that can find parallels in the sustainability discourse; for instance the questions of mono materiality, circularity, resilience in relationship to structural diversity, multi functionality and robustness.
We will draw on this approach, either to rethink and redesign certain structure and functionalities of the existing critical material systems, or to find new waste assemblages, new strategies to make with, to live with, a damaged planet. Eventually, the researchers will hold a series of workshops on specific waste streams (e.g. animal, metal, fiber) to build new design strategies aiming at unveiling their possible transient states.
3D printed prestretched fabric that buckles in this wavy shape. Copyright: Agata Kycia & Lorenzo Guiducci
Fibrous and Tessellated Materials Systems
The research strands Fibrous and Tessellated Materials Systems share an interest in biological materials and aim to uncover their structure-function relationships at tissue, organism and ecosystem levels. The main focus is on active materials whose dynamic character derives from the integration of stiff building blocks (respectively 1D -fibers- or 2D -tesserae) into a flexible matrix, and the organization of matter among their interfaces.
»Fibrous Materials« explores the broader field of fibre-based biological materials such as wood, seed pods, bacterial biofilms and African wild silk in relation to active matter and smart materials, in order to examine how natural material interfaces and structures can be used as models for the development of efficient , sustainable smart material interfaces. Active processes in these materials are environmentally triggered and result in a response which can be a change in pressure, water content, fibre elongation, and/or growth. Based on these natural fibre-based systems with varying levels of geometric complexity, we will identify, isolate, and locally determine shape-changing processes using numerical analysis and time-resolved imaging techniques.
»Tessellated Material Systems« explores form-function relationships in biological tilings such as shark and ray tessellated cartilage and armadillo dermal armor. Such tessellated biological systems employ hierarchical, architectural arrangements of large tiles linked by flexible fibers to mediate surprising mechanical and kinematic functions. We use the ecology of the natural tessellations (their biological context) as a framework for studies of how mechanical stability and dynamic flexibility are balanced. To do this, we combine state-of-the-art morphological techniques (imaging-based characterization of structural and material properties) and functional engineering/design approaches (e.g. biomechanical simulations and physical models), examining feedback loops between tissue composition, architecture and materials properties and their multifaceted roles in natural systems.
»Shape-Changing Materials Design« - A shared aim of both strands is to design and fabricate synthetic architected materials with complex morphing behaviors: by leveraging the non-linear deformations of slender building-blocks forming such architected materials, we will explore new ways to control structural instabilities (e.g. integrating smart materials) and achieve abrupt changes in overall mechanical and functional properties. In addition to deepening our understanding of the biological systems, through these explorations we aim to identify overarching principles in fibrous and tiled architectures —both natural and artificial. These principles could inform efficient and sustainable material concepts for scaffolds and structures for spatial applications, e.g., in architecture, (wearable) design, and multi-functional robotics, providing basic input for the development of active structures at the architectural scale.
Active Skins and Scaffolds
Building on studies of structure-function relationships in the natural world and the findings and principles of fiber-based and tessellated materials systems, our research strand focuses on the architectural context and scale. Specifically, we aim to provide alternative approaches for building skins and structures that can overcome the current paradigm of building envelopes as tight barriers, often consisting of an abundance of materials to shield the inside from the outside environment. Instead, we will think of active skins that make use of environmental elements such as humidity, air, and temperature to cope with climatic fluctuations. Adaptive structural scaffolds as open material systems will replace the idea of static building blocks. Novel concepts for constructing and joining will be explored in this context. Components based on fibrous structures, tessellated elements or phase-changing materials will form active boundaries that protect by working with the environment—and not against it. Design strategies evolving from the historical analysis and experimental prototyping will go hand in hand with advanced modelling and imaging techniques.
Facing our time’s most pressing concerns, we are exploring how active materiality can transform our material and environmental practices to reduce the current carbon footprint and respond to the fundamental challenges in dealing with extreme and rapidly changing climate conditions. Our research questions the notion of stability of materials, examining their responsiveness and interconnectedness with the surroundings on multiple scales – from the microscopic to the architectural. Simultaneously, we seek to address the logic of waste. Mono-material and bio-based design concepts will support the systemic change required in the processes of assembling and disassembling material components. This will be explored by combining methods from Architectural Design, Engineering, Natural Sciences, and the Humanities.
Engineered Organs – Regeneration and Repurposing
A strand of the »Material Form Function« group that explores processes and logics of regeneration in the living realm, has a focus on experimental surgery and regenerative medicine. A key research area for personalized (gene-based) medicine in transplantation and oncology lies in the bio-fabrication of structurally well-defined and reproducible three-dimensional models that contain an ›in vivo‹-like vasculature based on a human, patient-derived extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is the non-cellular component present within all tissues and organs providing the structural and biochemical support of the other major functional component, the cells. The goal is to make poorly predictive 2D cell cultures and animal models obsolete by creating 3D perfusable anatomical structures. »NeoOrgans«, i.e. engineered organs that eventually will be implanted to substitute failing organ function, would have a crucial impact on transplantation medicine, currently suffering from organ donation’s scarcity.
The research strand aims to expand the tissue regeneration and repurposing strategies through experimental, practice-based material explorations combining bioengineering and polymer chemistry with design disciplines. Drawing on the recent paradigm shift in materials science and engineering, where the traditional emphasis on strength, durability and high-performance has been challenged by the new, self-healing capacities of materials, our aim is to equip material constructs with ›maintenance mechanisms‹ that allow new and existing structures to retain robustness and functionality while undergoing constant transformation. Similar to the regeneration of tissue and organs, these regenerative mechanisms are often guided and orchestrated via dendritic or vascular typologies, which enable metabolic functions in living organisms, maintain exchange and circulation, and emerge in processes of formation, assembly, and regeneration of living tissues and artificial materials.
Two approaches to vascularisations will be explored experimentally in collaboration: one focuses on processes of directed self-implementation of micro-vascular channels generated by electric discharge. Healing and regenerative dimensions of interactions between the body, material and electricity will be discussed in the context of critical and speculative design. Another line of research will investigate vascular encapsulations for energy exchange in architecture, relying on the generative capacity of thermodynamic processes. Based on the knowledge from these investigations, regeneration and repurposing will be studied as a broad concept that connects domains of medical research with the practices of healing, care and maintenance in design and architecture.
Behavioral Matter
Built from the two projects Matters of Activity (HU) and Behavioral Objects (Ensad), Behavioral Matter is a practice-based research project addressing the notion of behavior relative to matter and materials, objects and techniques. It aims at creating new protocols, new forms and formats for interdisciplinary research in science, humanities, art and design developing encounters around a new approach of matter and materials, objects and techniques, based on the notion of behavior on the one hand and of active matter on the other hand. By turning our attention to the agentivity of matter and working with active materials and systems, both natural and artificial, BM opens perspectives for developing works of art and design, integrating ecosystem and ecology requirements. We also create new visual vocabularies, new interpretations, which can reveal the inner structural world of matter as much as its possible – or impossible – ›devenirs‹.
- Material Trajectories. Designing with Care Event 6.5.2021–8.5.2021
- Magic Circle Event 25.2.2021
- Coworking Materials. Für einen aktiven Materialismus Event 8.10.2020–9.10.2020
- Material as Environmental Device Event 10.9.2020
- Postponed: Times of Waste Event 18.3.2020–19.3.2020
- Designing Matter 1: From Filament To Fabric Event 1.2.2021–2.2.2021
- Nature as Source of Inspiration News 3.12.2019
- Atem (Breath) Event 11.9.2019–13.9.2019
- Behavioral Matter Event 15.3.2019–17.3.2019
Mareis, C., Rottmann, M. 2020. Entwerfen mit System. Studienhefte Problemorientiertes Design, 10. Hamburg: Adocs.
Quinz, E. 2020. Contro l’oggetto. Conversazioni sul design. Macerata, Italy: Quodlibet.
Alexandre, P., Jouannais, J., Ribault, P., Semin, D. eds. 2020. Art et Camouflage. With contributions from Alexandre, P., Ribault, P., Aubagnac, G., Semin, D., Aubry, M., Bergounioux, P., Coutin, C., Shell, H. R., Schäffner, W. and Thierrée, V. Paris: Beaux-Arts Éditions, ENSBA.
Fratzl, P., Jacobs, K., Möller, M., Scheibel, T., Sternberg, K. eds. 2019. Materials Research: Inspired by Nature. acatech Discussion. acatech. https://www.acatech.de/publikation/materialforschung-impulsgeber-natur/
Mareis, C. 2021. »Design und Wissenschaft.« In Handbuch Designwissenschaft. Theorie – Praxis – Geschichte, edited by Hensel, T., Ruf, O. Stuttgart: J.B. Metzler Verlag,
Ribault, P. 2020. »De la forme à l’informe. La stratégie du poulpe.« In Art et Camouflage, edited by Alexandre, P., Jouannais, J., Ribault, P., Semin, D. Paris: Beaux-Arts Éditions, ENSBA,
Mareis, C. 2019. »Die Zeitlichkeit des Entwerfens. Visuelle Prozessmodelle und ihre temporale Bedeutung.« In Visuelle Zeitgestaltung. In: Bildwelten des Wissens. Kunsthistorisches Jahrbuch für Bildkritik., edited by Blümle, C., Mareis, C., Windgätter, C. Berlin/Boston: Akademie Verlag, 114–123.
Rešetar, I. 2019. »Adaptive Material Systems for Thermal Comfort in Architecture Based on Phase Change Materials.« In ArcInTexETN, edited by Dumitrescu, D., Hallnäs, L., Hermansson, M., Nordlund Andersson, A., Thornquist, C. Borås, Sweden: University of Borås, 42-57.
Rešetar, I., Jurtz, N., Böhm, L., Kraume, M., Palz, N. 2021. »Integrated framework for digital design and thermal analysis of PCM macro- encapsulations for passive indoor cooling.« Sustainable Cities and Society, 66, (102536): https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2020.102536
Chaumel, J., Schotte, M., Bizzarro, J. J., Zaslansky, P., Fratzl, P., Baum, D., Dean, M. N. 2020. »Co-aligned chondrocytes: Zonal morphological variation and structured arrangement of cell lacunae in tessellated cartilage.« Bone, 134, 115264. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bone.2020.115264
Daneshgar, A., Klein, O., Nebrich, G., Weinhart, M., Tang, P., Arnold, A., Ullah, I., Pohl, J., Moosburner, S., Raschzok, N., Strücker, B., Bahra, M., Pratschke, J., Sauer, I. M., Hillebrandt, K. H. 2020. »The human liver matrisome – Proteomic analysis of native and fibrotic human liver extracellular matrices for organ engineering approaches.« Biomaterials, 257, 120247. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120247
Eder, M., Schäffner, W., Burgert, I., Fratzl, P. 2020. »Wood and the Activity of Dead Tissue.« Advanced Materials, 2001412. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202001412
Everwien, H., Keshi, E., Hillebrandt, K. H., Ludwig, B., Weinhart, M., Tang, P., Beierle, A. S., Napierala, H., Gassner, J. M., Seiffert, N., Moosburner, S., Geisel, D., Reutzel-Selke, A., Strücker, B., Pratschke, J., Haep, N., Sauer, I. M. 2020. »Engineering an endothelialized, endocrine Neo-Pancreas: Evaluation of islet functionality in an ex vivo model.« Acta Biomaterialia, 117, 213-225. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2020.09.022
Hengge, R. 2020. »Crosstalking second messengers.« Nature Microbiology, 6, (1): 9-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-020-00842-3
Jehle, F., Macías-Sánchez, E., Sviben, S., Fratzl, P., Bertinetti, L., Harrington, M. J. 2020. »Hierarchically-structured metalloprotein composite coatings biofabricated from co-existing condensed liquid phases.« Nature Communications, 11, (1): https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-14709-y
Mareis, C., Barrett, B. 2020. »Brainstorming Revisited.« Cultural Politics, 16, (1): 50-69. https://doi.org/10.1215/17432197-8017256
Pruteanu, M., Hernández Lobato, J. I., Stach, T., Hengge, R. 2020. »Common plant flavonoids prevent the assembly of amyloid curli fibres and can interfere with bacterial biofilm formation.« Environmental Microbiology, 22, 5280-5299. https://doi.org/10.1111/1462-2920.15216
Razghandi, K., Yaghmaei E. 2020. »Rethinking Filter: An Interdisciplinary Inquiry into Typology and Concept of Filter, Towards an Active Filter Model.« Sustainability, 12, (18): 7284. https://doi.org/10.3390/su12187284
Rüger, C., Feufel, M. A., Moosburner, S., Özbek, C., Pratschke, J., Sauer, I. M. 2020. »Ultrasound in augmented reality: a mixed-methods evaluation of head-mounted displays in image-guided interventions.« International Journal of Computer Assisted Radiology and Surgery, 15, (11): 1895-1905. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11548-020-02236-6
Rüger, C., Moosburner, S., Sauer, I. M. 2020. »Extended-Reality-Technologien zur Unterstützung chirurgischen Handelns.« Der Chirurg, 91, (7): 544-552. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00104-020-01188-6
Sviben, S., Spaeker, O., Bennet, M., Albéric, M., Dirks, J., Moussian, B., Fratzl, P., Bertinetti, L., Politi, Y. 2020. »Epidermal Cell Surface Structure and Chitin–Protein Co-assembly Determine Fiber Architecture in the Locust Cuticle.« ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 12, (23): 25581-25590. https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c04572
Autefage, H., Allen, F., Tang, H., Kallepitis, C., Gentleman, E., Reznikov, N., Nitiputri, K., Nommeots-Nomm, A., O'Donnell, M., Lange, C., Seidt, B., Kim, T., Solanki, A., Tallia, F., Young, G., Lee, P., Pierce, B., Wagermaier, W., Fratzl, P., Goodship, A., Jones, J., Blunn, G., Stevens, M. 2019. »Multiscale analyses reveal native-like lamellar bone repair and near perfect bone-contact with porous strontium-loaded bioactive glass.« Biomaterials, 209, 152-162. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biomaterials.2019.03.035
Baum, D., Weaver, J. C., Zlotnikov, I., Knötel, D., Tomholt, L., Dean, M. N. 2019. »High-Throughput Segmentation of Tiled Biological Structures using Random-Walk Distance Transforms.« Integrative and Comparative Biology, 59, (6): 1700-1712. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icz117
Campbell, R. A., Dean, M. N. 2019. »Adaptation and Evolution of Biological Materials.« Integrative and Comparative Biology, 59, (6): 1629-1635. https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icz134
Maurer, M. M., Sauer, I. M., Pratschke, J., Tullius, S. G. 2019. »First Healthy Baby After Deceased Donor Uterus Transplantation.« Birth to a New Era? Transplantation, 103, (4): 652-653. https://doi.org/10.1097/TP.0000000000002627
Moosburner, S., Remde, C., Tang, P., Queisner, M., Haep, N., Pratschke, J., Sauer, I. M. 2019. »Real world usability analysis of two augmented reality headsets in visceral surgery.« Artificial Organs, 43, (7): 694-698. https://doi.org/10.1111/aor.13396
Nyakatura, J. A., Baumgarten, R., Baum, D., Stark, H., Youlatos, D. 2019. »Muscle internal structure revealed by contrast-enhanced μCT and fibre recognition: The hindlimb extensors of an arboreal and a fossorial squirrel.« Mammalian Biology, 99, 71-80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mambio.2019.10.007
Ribault, P. 2019. »Chiara Vigo ou la maîtrise de soie. Pensée magique, processus technique et démarche scientifique en question.« Images Re-vues. Histoire, anthropologie et théorie de l’art, Hors-série 7, https://doi.org/10.4000/imagesrevues.7055
Seidel, R., Roschger, A., Li, L., Bizzarro, J. J., Zhang, Q., Yin, J., Yang, T., Weaver, J. C., Fratzl, P., Roschger, P., Dean, M. N. 2019. »Mechanical properties of stingray tesserae: High-resolution correlative analysis of mineral density and indentation moduli in tessellated cartilage.« Acta Biomaterialia, 96, 421-435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2019.06.038
Serra, D. O., Hengge, R. 2019. »A c-di-GMP-Based Switch Controls Local Heterogeneity of Extracellular Matrix Synthesis which Is Crucial for Integrity and Morphogenesis of Escherichia coli Macrocolony Biofilms.« Journal of Molecular Biology, 431, (23): 4775-4793. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmb.2019.04.001
Wessels, B., Seyfferth, C., Escamez, S., Vain, T., Antos, K., Vahala, J., Delhomme, N., Kangasjärvi, J., Eder, M., Felten, J., Tuominen, H. 2019. »An AP 2/ ERF transcription factor ERF 139 coordinates xylem cell expansion and secondary cell wall deposition.« New Phytologist, 224, (4): 1585-1599. https://doi.org/10.1111/nph.15960
Rupp, A. I., Houette, T., Gutierrez, F., Guiducci, L., Gruber, P. 2019. »Breathing skins workshop: A hands-on investigation of bio-inspired foldable structures for temperature and humidity control in buildings.« Proceedings Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication IX, Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), Denver, Colorado, U.S.A. 109650W. https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2522089
De Visscher, E. »Énergies Communes.« At the exhibition: Designer(s) du Design - Lille Métropole 2020 - World Design Capital. Tri Postal, Lille, 7 September 2020 - 1 December 2020. https://www.designiscapital.com/programme/designers-du-design
Fratzl, P. Local fibre orientations control the behaviour of biological materials. Talk at International Seminar Series on Programmable Materials in Summer 2021, Fraunhofer-Cluster of Excellence Programmable Materials. 20 May 2021.
Hofmann, S., Rasehorn, F., Igou, E., Razghandi K. Design Tools. Participation and Tesselation. Talk at Magic Circle – Symposium, 25 February 2021. http://forschungskreis.com/event/magic-circle/
Douny, L. Earth structures: Containment and scarcity in the Sahel. Talk at Material as Environmental Device. ‘Materials, form, function’ & ‘Weaving’ Projects., Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity«, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. 10 September 2020.
Evans, M., Hengge, R. Buckling, Wrinkling and Folding: Microstructure, Active Matter Behaviour and Geometric Modelling of Bacterial Biofilms. Talk at the Annual Conference of the Cluster »Matters of Activity« 2020, 11 November 2020. https://www.virtualspace.matters-of-activity.de/annualconference/?id=11
Fratzl, P. Natural Active Materials. Talk at Annual Conference of the Cluster »Matters of Activity« 2020, 11 November 2020. https://www.virtualspace.matters-of-activity.de/annualconference/?id=2
Mareis, C. Truth to Materials: Entangled Histories of Design and Material Politics. Talk at the Annual Conference of the Cluster »Matters of Activity« 2020, 11 November 2020. https://www.virtualspace.matters-of-activity.de/annualconference/?id=1
Rešetar, I., Beyer, B. Soft Fibrous Structures: Spatial Concepts for Cellulose Biofilms. Talk at Annual Conference of the Cluster »Matters of Activity« 2020, 11 November 2020. https://www.virtualspace.matters-of-activity.de/annualconference/?id=10
Nyakatura, J. A., Sauer, C. The Anatomy of Movement and Nature's Design. Vertebrate Function, Evolution, and Scaling. Talk at MoA Talks, weißensee academy of art, Berlin. 19 November 2019. https://www.matters-of-activity.de/en/activities/938/moa-talks
Cubasch, A. J., Perraudin, L., Cojal Gonzalez, J., Razghandi, K. How to environ? Epistemic & design perspectives on environments, cultural techniques, and structures. Internal Colloquium. Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity«, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin. 13 November 2020.
Friedman, M., Krauthausen, K. On Activity. Conference. Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin. 7 February 2020. https://www.matters-of-activity.de/en/activities/1240/on-activity
Harrasser, K., Macho, T., Schäffner, W. Coworking Materials. Für einen aktiven Materialismus. Gemeinsame Tagung des IFK und des Exzellenzclusters »Matters of Activity. Image Space Material«, HU Berlin, und der Kunstuniversität Linz. 8 October 2020 - 9 October 2020.
Zheng, B., Hengge, R., Laitinen, R., Rillig, M. Botanical Comrades 植物同志 Plants Practice Politics. Berlin Science Week. Gropius Bau, Berlin. In cooperation with Schering Stiftung. 7 November 2020. https://falling-walls.com/event/botanical-comrades-植物同志-plants-practice-politics/
Fratzl, P., Schäffner, W. et al. Behavioral Matter: Composer avec le vivant. Workshop. Centre Pompidou, Paris. In cooperation with Ensadlab (École nationale supérieure des Arts Décoratifs, Paris) and the Cluster of Excellence »Matters of Activity«. 23 March 2019. https://fonds-perspektive.de/fr/behavioralmatter/
Dierichs, K., Farmer, J., Stoll, M., Bonavia, E., Mballa-Ekobena, A., Douny, L., Eder, M., Rosenthal, N. Designing matter 1 - from filament to fabric spunbonds as architectural material systems. Phase 1: Cocoons – Anthropology, Biology and Materials Science. Teaching Research Project, Karola Dierichs (Coordinator). weißensee school of art and design, Berlin. 1 February 2021 - 2 February 2021.
Dierichs, K., Sauer, C., Eder, M., Guiducci, L., Razghandi, K. Scaling Nature 3. Practical course, weissensee school of art and design, Berlin. 22 September 2020 - 14 October 2020.
Fratzl, P. 2021. »Materialwissenschaft – von der Biomimese zur Bioinspiration.« Austria Presse Agentur/Science, 8 April 2021. https://science.apa.at/gastbeitrag/materialwissenschaft-von-der-biomimese-zur-bioinspiration/
Hoferichter, A. 2020. »Rinde zum Anziehen.« With Wenig, C. Süddeutsche Zeitung, 22 September 2020. https://www.sueddeutsche.de/wissen/baumrinde-jacke-stoff-1.5035535
Hehemeyer-Cürten, J., Wenig, C. The Bark Project. RBB Inforadio. Wissenswerte. Podcast. 15 minutes, 1 November 2020. https://www.ardaudiothek.de/wissenswerte/the-bark-project/82497214