Article:

This paper introduces a series of design and fabrication tests directed towards theuse of bendable 3D printing materials in order to simplify a foam bubble-basedgeometry as a frame structure for modular assembly. The aspiration to referencea spittlebug's bubble cocoon in nature for a light installation in the urban contextwas integrated into a computational workflow conditioning light-weight,material-, and cost savings along with assembly-simplicity. Firstly, beforeelaborating on the project motivation and background in foam structures andapplications of 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material, thispaper describes the physical nature of bubble foams in its relevant aspects.Subsequently this is implemented into the parametric design process for anoptimized foam structure with Grasshopper clarifying the need for flexiblematerials to enhance modular feasibility. Following, the additive manufacturingiterations of the digitally designed node components with TPU are presented andevaluated. Finally, after the test assembly of both components is depicted, thispaper assesses the divergence between natural foams and the case study structurewith respect to self-organizing behavior