Co-Designing With The Swarm: Bee-Fabricated Morphologies Via Evolutionary Algorithms

In the context of pandemic restrictions and the need for climate change adaptation, our academic exercise ventured into Biodesign by engaging honeybees in a co-design framework. Conducted in Pichincha, Ecuador, from October 15, 2021, to January 15, 2022, and November 16, 2022, to February 28, 2023, this exercise explored the co-design potential between humans, non-human entities, and machines. Using Rhino Grasshopper, we created an evolutionary algorithm to shape wax films for bee-integrated 3D printing. The iterative process depended on ecological timelines and environmental conditions, evolving with bees' natural behavior and climate factors. This approach emphasizes non-human-centric design, highlighting the roles of temperature, humidity, and flowering plant availability. While not for immediate application, this exercise speculates on future design with non-human entities, showcasing the synergy of digital, human, and biological inputs and promoting post-anthropocentric design practices.