
Bigon Rings: Researchers described the mathematics that underlie many forms created from thin strips of flexible material. The techniques could assist to form materials that change shape to improve performance as conditions change.
Illustration by Neil Adelantar
Lauren Dreier was paging through a 19th century book by the German architect Gottfried Semper when she spotted some intriguing patterns inspired by lace. A professional artist and designer who often incorporates technology into her work, Dreier, who is also a doctoral candidate at the School of Architecture at Princeton University, decided to recreate the printed illustrations in 3D.
Besides Adriaenssens, Dreier and Yu, co-authors include Stefana Parascho, of the Princeton School of Architecture; Stefano Gabriele, of Roma Tre University; Francesco Marmo, of the University of Naples Federico II. Support for the project was provided in part by the Princeton School of Engineering and Applied Sciences Project X Fund and The Council for International Teaching and Research.