Hermit crabs are true nomads of the sea world. Due to their soft exoskeleton, they are required to have a shelter, usually gastropod shells, in order to protect themselves from predators. But as they grow, they need bigger shells, forcing them to “move” frequently.
Inspired by the nomadic lifestyle of hermit crabs, Japanese contemporary artist Aki Inomata started designing custom shelters for them. Her designs are inspired by the architecture of world cities and usually feature skyscrapers, historical monuments, and other buildings.
“I gave hermit crabs shells that I had made for them, and if they liked them, they moved into my “shelters,” she explains on her website. “The shelters that I made for them represented cities from around the world.”
Inomata started this intriguing project in 2009 as part of her efforts to create art in collaboration with nature. The first shelter for hermit crabs was based on spherical shapes and got rejected by the sea creatures. She then decided to study the shapes of hermit crabs to better understand their needs and use a 3D printer to make new shelters.
As you can see below, hermit crabs really liked the new versions and are carrying them with pride.
