Circular Innovations: Designing 3D Printable Sustainable Modular Exhibition Systems
848109 UE Prototyping / Design Build – Bachelor Elective Course – Summer Semester 2025
Teaching: Kilian Bauer w/ REX|LAB & Prof. Marjan Colletti & Tom Kovac
Short Brief: This course challenged students to design and prototype an innovative modular exhibition system that integrates 3D-printed components with upcycled timber. Inspired by the legacy of experimental architectural pavilions, the projects emphasize sustainable design strategies, circular economy principles, and advanced digital fabrication techniques. The adaptable system is intended for versatile applications, from trade fairs to global expos, prioritizing environmental responsibility and material reuse. Through hands-on research and development, participants will design a scalable system that meets functional, aesthetic, and environmental requirements. The project involves creating digital and physical prototypes, including a full-scale fragment fabricated in the REX|LAB robotic experimentation lab. Rooted in the principles of postdigital practices, the course fosters critical thinking on technology’s role in architecture. Students will address ecological challenges while pushing the boundaries of material and spatial design, equipping them with skills to shape the future of sustainable architecture. Deliverables included a comprehensive research report, prototypes, and a public showcase. This course offered a transformative opportunity to merge creativity, technology, and sustainability in exhibition design.
