MIMICRY

The experimental prototype series MIMICRY explores the intersection of body enclosures, generative design, and material research. The project investigates how biological structures—ranging from mycelium and algae to rhizomatic root systems—can be integrated into the design process not merely as visual inspiration, but as active agents of form and material creation. Central to this research is the interplay between form, function, and the constraints of body and matter. It examines living, self-repairing garment structures alongside parametric mono-material solutions that achieve specific flexibility, insulation, or medical support functions purely through their geometry.

As an outcome of artistic and design-led research, the prototypes leverage validated simulation processes without claiming scientific completeness. They were developed using agentic, autonomously operating design tools. To ensure maximum hardware compatibility and accessibility, the series was built entirely with web-based applications. Each prototype generates sophisticated 3D geometries ready for seamless integration into third-party software. All developed tools and outputs are released into the Public Domain (CC0), making them freely available for use and modification without any attribution requirements.

PROTOTYPES

several standalone themebased prototypes that either take a specific question as a starting point or explore bio materiality or physical pehnomena through computer simulation through design focussed construction.

MATTER – material database

A key fundament for artistic design research is the involement and the questioning of the design material itself. THerefore MIMICRY comes with a custom material database, that is fed with common materials but mostly biomaterials or compostable materials. The database uses generative AI as inspirational research tool to show possible combinations and interweavings in pure chemical, mechanical or traditional ways.

detailed information: https://tristanschulze.de/matter
online prototype: https://matter.turboflip.de