Processes of materialising architecture
2015 – 1st Semester – Orientation Course
instructor: Peter Massin
Grundlagen der Gestaltung: Thomas Mathoy
Students: Florian Fesel, Caspar Hamberger, Michael Poller, Konrad Sonne, Stephanie Mendanha Da Rocha, Julian Fürst, Carmen Feyrsinger, Barbara Stenico, Federico Gomarasca, Iris Schumacher, Paul Stolz, Magdalena Holzner, Stephan Höllwarth, Simon Peimpold, Daniel Hofer, Melvin Krier, Olivier Bohnert, Merve Avlar, Vera Pattis, Jamie Langers
The orientation is an introduction to the study of architectural genesis and the academic world itself. We, therefore, approach the genre using the tools that architects work with today and get an insight into the prototypical everyday life of an architecture student.
“The Assemblage of Everything: Processes of Materialising Architecture” was intended to address two contemporary architectural challenges. On the one hand, the examination of the homogeneous digital production of architecture and, on the other, the heterogeneous construction of buildings. The combination of different materials and production processes is essential in this context. Using different techniques such as 2D, 3D drawing, laser cutting, CNC milling, 3D printing, etc., students explored the new technologies and dealt with the interfaces between different constructions, spaces and materials.
The aim was to build an “assemblage” made up of various individual shapes. These individual figures are elements of architectural production or products that are created during the development and materialization of architectural ideas. The final exhibition piece could be perceived on different scales (as a city, as a building, as a façade, as a 1:1 prototype) and address the complex structural task of component assembly (of different materials and technologies).
To generate the content from the methodology was substantial. It was particularly important during the orientation to get an introduction to the usual and contemporary tools of architectural production. Through clearly defined mini-tasks within the various digital drawing and fabrication possibilities, students ventured into the still-unknown technologies. The generated products stand in a geometric empathy to their predecessors and neighbours and thus create a coherent shape and design. The individual products were developed individually and then joined together in group work.
