Nature - Based
Urban Solutions 

Insects and their homes

Insects are one of the most omnipresent creatures on the earth. One can find them
in a variety of climatically diverse geographic locations like the desert, tropical rainforests, high-altitude mountains, water bodies, marshlands and so on.The structures serve a myriad of purposes like catching prey to housing multilevel colonies.The material diversity of the structures built by 11 out of 28 insect orders lie in wax, fecal matter, wood, paper, soil, silk, animal dung, and plant leaves. Solitary insects construct various structures, such as the funnel-shaped sand traps of terrestrial antlion larvae, underwater silk nets of caddisfly larvae, and granular sand-and-gravel tubes of adult caddisflies. In contrast, collective efforts of colony members are observed in the construction of complex leafy nests by weaver ants, waxy cellular hives of honeybees , paper nests of wasps, as well as above-ground and subterranean nests in mounds built by ants and termites, complete 
with intricate passageways and cellars.

These nests are typically crafted from materials sourced from the insects &
surroundings, or materials that are secreted or excreted by the organisms themselves.For instance, honey bees produce wax from glands located in their abdominal segments, while wasps create paper by chewing wood fibres.
Caterpillars of moths and butterflies, caddisflies, web-spinners, and weaver ants
generate silken threads , and many insects utilise their own excrement. Mound-
building termites, on the other hand, use soil particles coated with moisture. Even within the same groups, the diversity in form, material, and function can be astonishing. For example, within the Bee orders, Apis dorsata constructs large flattened hemispherical hives on exposed tree branches, whereas closely related species like Apis cerana build simpler vertical combs, Apis mellifera create cavity hives, and Apis florea construct small open hives.

The physical properties of these construction materials vary according to their
environments. Differential scanning studies of beeswax reveal that while beeswax
typically melts above 65°C, it begins softening at temperatures slightly above
ambient temperatures (∼40°C). This allows bees to locally heat their hives to mold
or adjust them as needed . In contrast, the wax of stingless bees starts melting at
temperatures above 53°C. Comparative studies of Vespine wasp nests also

demonstrate variation in the structure and mechanical properties of the paper used
in each species' nest, as well as across different species.

Eusocial insects construct nests that serve as protective environments for their
entire colonies, housing broods and food reserves. Mound-building termites and
some ants also cultivate essential fungi within their nests. These structures must
address multiple challenges and trade-offs: maintaining internal sterility to prevent
infections, achieved in termites through selective fungus cultivation. The wax and
honey of honeybees, along with termite secretions, possess antimicrobial
properties. Nests must also balance sealing against predators with ventilation to
regulate CO2 and heat levels, crucial for brood development under stable
conditions. This ventilation is achieved through architectural features or active
measures such as honeybee wing-flapping. Structural durability and repairability are ensured through constant monitoring and nest-mate recruitment for repairs.

 

These behaviours provide rich insights into neural and behavioural algorithms
underlying both solitary and collective building processes. The structures have
evolved over centuries and are of architectural inquisitiveness due to their evolution
over millions of years.

The Material Metamorphoses Ceramics programme seeks explores the versatility of insect structures and the complex forms through research and collaboration amongst ceramic artists. The artists extensively explore both solitary and eusocial insect homes and bring forth co creativity in its most organic form. The structures are of architectural inquisitiveness due to their evolution over millions of years and explore the range through ceramic as a medium. 

A resonant materiality, ceramic and insect structures share much similarity in their
contradicting fragile robustness. 

Methodology
This initiative is related to the aesthetic component of exploring insect structures.
The works can be diverse forms of explorations as art based objects developed
Objectives

1.Environmental Education: Create awareness about the importance of insects in ecosystems, highlighting their role in biodiversity, pollination, pest control, and ecosystem health through implemented design collaterals

2.Sustainability: Utilise sustainable materials and practices throughout the production process, ensuring the kits are environmentally friendly and contribute positively to local ecosystems.

3.Artistic Prowess: Showcasing the act of thematic integration through artistic intervention in a well conceptualised manner

The Ceramic Collective, a curated exhibition by NAU, explores the intricate theme of Insect's & Their Habitats" through a diverse array of 9 ceramic artworks. Each piece in this collection vividly captures the delicate balance of insect ecosystems, showcasing the beauty and complexity of these often-overlooked creatures and their natural environments.

The exhibition, set to be unveiled at an open house, not only features these stunning artworks but also provides attendees with research kits and expert lectures. These elements are designed to deepen the understanding of the vital roles insects play in our ecosystems, encouraging a greater appreciation for their conservation and the delicate interplay between art and science.

​

Shortlisted Artist Names

 

• Garima Tripathi - India

• Shirley Bhatnagar  - India

• Nehal Rachh - India

• Heena Bhatt - India

• Khanjan Dalal - India

• Falguni Bhatt - India

• Julie Bartholomew - Australia

• Aninda Singh - India

• Shampa Shah - India 

​