Textiles possess a unique ability to store energy, both at the material and structural levels. This course explores harnessing this potential to craft shape-changing 4D structures.

4D textiles are defined as structures capable of undergoing transformations over time in response to external stimuli, like temperature, force, or humidity.

Textiles can be adapted into 4D textiles, either at the fiber and fabric level or through additive manufacturing, with our primary focus being additive manufacturing via 3D printing. This method is highly versatile. A pre-stressed textile is incorporated into the printing process as the building surface. After releasing the pre-stress, the structure transitions from a two-dimensional shape to a multi-equilibrium three-dimensional form.

At the end of this course you’ll be able to create dynamic, scalable, shape changing structures by learning the basics of 4D Printing