project 'turm2' 

udk berlin

 

 

The project “turm 2” (tower2) investigates the potential of sustainable composites in regards to their manufacturing and morphological potential. the distinct textile tectonics are generated through a custom built mechanical apparatus which employs a novel winding technique.

similar to a mechanical clockwork, a constant circular movement is translated solely by mechanical means into a complex choreography of interdependent actions which ultimately deliver a distinct winding pattern.  A controllable secondary movement is successively pushing the structure upwards to generate space at the bottom for a new segment while at the same time allowing for a material gradient throughout the structure. 

the materials used for the composite structure are throughout bio-derived. during the production process, a continuous cotton yarn undergoes an impregnation process with a linseed-oil-based resin and is subsequently applied to the apparatus in a predetermined pattern. the uv-curing resin gradually hardens upon exposure to a light source and embeds the natural fibres in a rigid matrix. 

the concept foresees the installation being powered solely by solar power while the material simultaneously hardens through the exposure to the sun. this dependency on a natural energy source allows for a (near) energy neutral manufacturing process while establishing a direct relationship of the installation to its environment. similar to a plant, the environmental conditions and information directly influence the “growth” process and likewise being embedded in the structure during its assembly. 

the demonstrator informed a speculative project which employs an array of self-assembling towers throughout the aral sea region. during their assembly, the towers span arrays of water-harvesting textiles and collect the water in their base. a controlled irrigation allows new vegetation to settle hence counteracting the predominant threat of desertification.

 

the project was awarded the max taut price of the berlin university of the arts in 2015.

 

the project was supported by prof. dr. norbert palz, head of the department of digital and experimental design and 

prof. dr.-ing christoph gengnagel, head of the department of structural design and technology at the university of the arts, berlin.

 

photography: aljoscha redenius

animation: manuel jacob