Art book Silk Pagodas

While visiting the Entomological Collection at ETH Zurich, we discovered a collection of extraordinary structures in an inconspicuous wooden box. Their shapes, materials, and structures were reminiscent of small architectural models. In reality, however, these are the dwellings of butterfly and moth larvae.

The so-called bagworm moths (Psychidae) build their characteristic cases out of silk and materials from their immediate surroundings. Depending on the species, this results in very different shapes: delicate, elongated tubes, compact bodies, or complex constructions that are barely distinguishable from their environment.

"Silk Pagodas" presents these small constructions as independent objects and draws attention to a form of architecture that was not developed by humans. The cases protect their inhabitants from the elements and predators and are perfectly adapted to their respective environments.

With over 1,350 known species worldwide, bagworm moths form an exceptionally diverse group. Many of their dwellings remain almost invisible in everyday life – it is precisely this combination of complex construction and camouflage that fascinated us.

"Silk Pagodas" invites you to take a closer look at these small works of nature and to discover in them a very unique form of design.

Awarded as "work of excellence" at TDC Tokyo 2021.

• 36 pages, 185 × 280 mm
• Risograph printing, Switzerland
• Cover: Sirio Ultra Black, 185 g/m²
• Content: Homen Trend 2.0, 70 g/m² and Daunendruck Natural, 120 g/m²
• Thread stitching
• First edition: 100 copies, numbered and signed
• Concept & design: Bienvenue Studios
• Photography: Sebastian Magnani