Towards a new material culture. Bio-inspired design, parametric modeling, material design, digital manufacture.

Digital technologies represent, for the world of design and material culture, unprecedented opportunities for expression and innovation. The integration of a bio-inspired design approach for the development of new materials, based on generative modelling and additive manufacturing, represents a promising challenge for the design culture. The paper intends to outline the potential and benefits of this integrated design approach, as a “virtuous circle” for the design and production of innovative and sustainable artefacts, through the description of an experimental design case study.