Tiffany Cheng

Tiffany Cheng is Assistant Professor at Cornell University and directs the MULTIMESO Lab at Cornell’s Department of Design Tech. Her research examines biobased materials and bioinspired structures for smarter and more sustainable forms of making, and her work has been exhibited internationally at the Eiffel Tower, Mori Art Museum, and London Design Biennale. Previously, Tiffany was Research Group Leader at the Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart, where she led the Material Programming research group and earned her Doctorate in Engineering. Tiffany holds a Master in Design Studies (Technology) from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California.

Talk Title: Cellulosic Self-Shaping: From Body to Building

What if our buildings and products could be manufactured and operated the way biological systems grow and adapt? As an alternative to conventional construction and manufacturing, I will present a bioinspired approach to making through material programming and 4D-printing. By integrating material, structure, and function, plants change shape over varying spatial-temporal scales in response to external stimuli. I will introduce how computational fabrication enable the bioinspired interplay of cellulosic materials, mesostructures, and adaptive motions to create hygromorphic systems powered by the environment. The developed methods are transferable across scales and applications – from hobbyist 3D-printers to industrial robot platforms and self-adjusting wearables for the body to weather-responsive shading in buildings. Through integrative technologies and interdisciplinary solutions, we can leverage biobased materials and bioinspired design principles to create a built environment that is transformative and resilient.

Location: Etcheverry Hall 3110, 2521 Hearst Ave, Berkeley, CA

Live stream online: link