Research
My research field unfolds at the creative intersection of nature, computational design, and digital manufacturing technologies, integrating perceptions, emotions and quality of life. My projects aim to build a future biocentric ecosystem; this proposal focuses on the well-being of all species on our planet through the systematic integration of different technologies and multispecies strategies.
I'm currently PhD student in the Institute for Biodigital Architecture and Genetics, at the Universitat Internacional de Catalunya -UIC- in Barcelona, Spain; as well researcher in Experimental Morphology Research Group, Industrial Design career at Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.
Bio-inspired parametric textures research project
Researchers: Ever Patiño Mazo and David A. Torreblanca-Díaz
The project aimed to develop a repository of digitally parameterized textures based on plant species from the Aburrá Valley, Colombia. This repository aims to support designers, architects, and related professionals in their design processes, addressing functionality, user interaction, and aesthetic–communicative aspects.
Nutritional supplements vase for elder people. Authors: Mariana Betancur Sánchez and Valentina Cardona. Final degree project, Industrial Design career, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia.
Protective jacket for motorcycle accidents. Author: Juan Diego Buriticá. Final degree project, Industrial Design career, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Medellín, Colombia
Second stage: sensory properties and emotional responses of bio-inspired textures
Researchers: Ruben Jacob-Dazarola and David A. Torreblanca-Díaz
The goal of the second stage was to evaluate the sensory properties and emotional responses of bio-inspired textures for product design, through experiential characterization. According to the results obtained, it was possible to demonstrate that the Experiential Characterization of Materials and Textures (Camere and Karana 2018) with four levels (performative, sensory, interpretive, and affective) is valid to evaluate bio-inspired surfaces. Although it is not a precise method, it was possible to conclude that the bio-inspired textures obtained a tendency toward positive perceptions and emotions. These processes hold great potential for the disciplines of design, architecture, interior design, and other related fields.
Growing morphologies stools collection
Researchers: Juan Pablo Velásquez and David A. Torreblanca- Díaz
This project aimed the design of a stool series based on three-dimensional growing patterns extracted from nature to obtain light and resistant structures, through the integration of parametric design and additive fabrication technologies, highlighting their creative and technical possibilities.
Researchers: Juan Pablo Velásquez and David A. Torreblanca- Díaz.
BioDigital 3D Concrete Printing
Researchers: David A. Torreblanca-Díaz, Luis Felipe Lalinde, Andrés Felipe Montoya Tobón, Alejandra María Carmona Duque, Julián David Saldarriaga Londoño, Edgar Alexander Ossa Henao, Ricardo Alberto Camargo Piedrahita and Santiago Gil Durán. Collaboration between Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Universidad EAFIT and Constructora Conconcreto.
The integration between 3D Concrete Printing and parametric design is defining a new paradigm in architecture, with important advances in recent decades, it is possible to build complex geometries without formwork, reduced costs, less risk of accidents and better productivity. Research proposal was based on a BioDigital Architecture approach, the aim was oriented to design architectural components based on nature through a synergy between digital algorithms and additive manufacturing technologies to solve local problems in Medellín, Colombia.
Symbiosis: multispecies dialogues through biophilic design
Author: David A. Torreblanca-Díaz
The project aims to connect humans with other organisms to foster “harmonious multi-species relationships” through the integration of biophilic design, multi-species design, and biodigital design for a biocentric ecosystem. In the first stage, a system was designed to shelter butterfly chrysalides at urban homes; the experience had a clear inclination toward "positive emotions" and the connotation of an "enriching experience" because diverse perceptions, sensations, and complex emotions were activated, including active learning.
Radiolaria Stool Series Design: synergistic integration of computational design and additive manufacturing
Authors: Pablo Banda and David A. Torreblanca-Díaz
Radiolaria stool series is a project aimed at studying radiolarian exoskeleton to apply it in design through the synergistic integration of Computational Design (CD) and Additive Manufacturing (AM). We conclude that it was possible to generate complex and functional stools to perform properly under human-scale loads, the results demonstrate the advantages of CD and AM integration under a biodigital approach.
