# Robot-Built Public Canopies The ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012 is Inspired by Insect Exoskeletons By Meghan Young | Published 2013-03-06 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/icditke-research-pavilion-2012 References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2013/03/robot-carbon-glass-pavillion.html) & [itke.uni-stuttgart.de](http://www.itke.uni-stuttgart.de/entwicklung.php?id=30) The ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012 might look like it was spun by a spider, but it was actually built by a robot. An impressive feat, the public structure has an organic aesthetic that wouldn't necessarily by associated with such materials as carbon and glass fiber composites, which is what it's made out of. A collaborative effort between students and researchers from the [Institute for Computational Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flora-1) (ICD) and the [Institute of Building Structures and Structural Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-flax-pavilion) (ITKE) at the [University of Stuttgart](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arkhive), the ICD/ITKE Research Pavilion 2012 was inspired by arthropods’ exoskeleton. The high performance structure is incredibly thin with a shell thickness of just 4 millimeters. Spanning eight metres, it weighs less than 320 kilograms. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.7/10 - Popularity: 50% | Activity: 54% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/architecture) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Robotic Construction:** The use of robots in construction processes can create structures with unique and organic designs. - **Lightweight Materials:** The use of carbon and glass fiber composites allows for the creation of thin and lightweight structures. - **Bio-inspired Design:** Taking inspiration from nature, like insect exoskeletons, can result in innovative and aesthetically pleasing structures. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Architects can utilize robotic construction methods to push the boundaries of design and create visually striking buildings. - **Construction:** The construction industry can benefit from incorporating lightweight materials and robotic assistance to improve efficiency and reduce costs. - **Materials Science:** Researchers in materials science can explore the use of carbon and glass fiber composites to create stronger and lighter materials for various industries. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Self-Shaping Timber Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hybrid-flax-pavilion.md) - [Reconfigurable Timber Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/arkhive.md) - [Public Pavilion Architecture](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tess-pavilion.md) - [Mushroom-Like Wooden Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/carbon-garden-pavilion.md) - [Community Hub Timber Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/craft-not-carbon.md) - [Mass-Timber Research Pavilion](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flora-1.md) - [Code-Generated Pavilion Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-orb.md) - [Living Structure-Based Pavilions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canada-pavilion.md) - [Climate-Sensitive Pavilion Structures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/querkraft.md)