Team: Prof. Marjan Colletti, Peter Massin, Thomas Mathoy
Students: Vogl-Fernheim Johanna, Pomberger Angelika, Hörl Louise, Toferer Mario, Vladic Günther, Lercher Alexander, Sponring Katharina, Mitterwurzer Sabine, Gostner Elisa, Mörtl Theresa, Mazagg Elisa , Pompermaier Anna, Fabbris Lucilla, Bartolucci Hannah, Bertolini Silvia, Handtmann Karl, Stadelmann Nadine, Grimm Raffael, Turolla Alessandro, Jocher Lorenz, Schramm Kristina, Hahn Mendissa
Meeting Nature Halfway is an overarching research topic at the Department of Experimental Architecture. Structural Engineering and addresses the intersection of architecture and nature. The fundamental guiding principle of this design should be the understanding of architecture as a synergetic relationship between natural and man-made structures.
FrAgile—an acronym that combines fragility and agility — served as a thematic focus for this studio.
Throughout history, the dissolution and dematerialisation of buildings have been key pursuits of architects. For example, the heavy domes of the Romanesque period evolved into the light buttresses of Gothic architecture. Technological advancements and the use of new materials led to increasingly intricate and delicate constructions. The allure of structural and material economy stems from the elegance of slender constructions and their transparency. At the same time, fragility is often associated with sensitivity and instability. The seminar, we explored the performative and aesthetic potential of fragile structures. Though the concept of agility may seem unconventional in architecture, as buildings are typically perceived as static, agility also embodies adaptability, flexibility, and coordination. In the context of Meeting Nature Halfway, we seek to design architectures that engage dynamically and responsively with nature.
The objective was to construct a responsive 1:1 prototype. These structures interact both performatively and aesthetically with the dynamic processes of nature. Its sensual experience will form the core function of the design. The fragile systems shape the space not only structurally but also performatively, phenomenologically, and poetically, serving as a host for nature.
