Now that 3D printing is establishing itself in the world, 4D printing is also beginning to make its presence known. Nervous System -- which in December unveiled their 4D printed dress, through work with Shapeways, that printed 85% smaller than the final expanded piece -- is back at it again. 4D printing allows for adaptive structures that respond to their environments, and the latest idea from Nervous System took inspiration from the bloom of flowers that go from bud to full-petal bloom. Nervous System's 'Anthesis Pavilion' is a conceptual design that would provide a flat structure (like a carpet) on the ground that would expand in predetermined, uneven ways when exposed to water, as in rain. The outer edges of the structure would expand, creating a pavilion structure people could take shelter under. And that's just the beginning. Check out more details in the full article: http://3dprint.com/52842/4d-printed-structures/


Below is a look at the idea behind the Anthesis Pavilion: