Technical innovation

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(31) SOLARKULTUR (SWITZERLAND) proposes an alternative approach energy production and infrastructure, based on a method of comprehensive solar planning for an entire municipality in Switzerland with two main objectives: producing a maximum of solar energy while ensuring high-quality Baukultur. With those aims in mind, the local authority will consider and define the qualities of the living environment. It will compile solar and energy data to determine the locations where solar installations may be energy-efficient and suitable from a Baukultur perspective. SolarKultur will also look at the places where the installation of solar panels was rejected and advise on alternative investments for property owners, such as collective installations. A municipality close to Geneva has already put a pilot scheme into action, developed in cooperation with university and public authorities, with a view to transferring the methodology to other municipalities.

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(32) THE STEAMPUNK INSTALLATION USING AUGMENTED REALITY (ESTONIA) showcased how digital technology can be used to shape the future of construction by creating a very complex way of twisting and bending timber strips without any physical drawings to work from (¹). This innovation in augmented reality shows how a designer may work in future, combining precise digital models with human craftsmanship to produce exciting and complex constructions. Designed by Gwyllim Jahn, Cameron Newnham (Fologram), Soomeen Hahm Design and Igor Pantic with Format Engineers, the installation was built for the 5th edition of Tallinn Architecture Biennale in 2019.

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(33) SARA KULTURHUS (SARA CULTURAL CENTRE) in Sweden is both a cultural centre housing a regional theatre, two art museums and the city library as well as a hotel and conference centre. Designed by White Arkitekter, the cultural centre is a place for concerts, performances, meetings, exhibitions and events as well as a venue with capacity for large conferences. Sara’s Kulturhus is built in a way that reflects constant change with large, open spaces that encourage meetings between people in a welcoming environment. It is an open living room in the city and housed in one of the world’s largest and tallest wooden buildings. The 20-storey building is mainly constructed from locally sourced wood in the form of glue-lam beams and CLT-slabs, creating both an architectural landmark as well as an example of advanced timber engineering. The project has been covered in international media as a part of a new wave of tall wooden buildings. The importance of local participation through the course of this project with ambitious and technically advanced architecture has made this project a success.

Findings and observations

• It is important to engage with new technologies to improve design capabilities, enhance best practice and to disseminate research and innovation for the common good.
• There are many new opportunities and ways to raise awareness of the important role of architecture through digital tools which communicate the vision of a high-quality living environment.
• New technologies, such as augmented reality, immersive environments etc. create new possibilities to guide and support experimentation and innovation for high-quality interventions.
• The use of sustainable, locally sourced materials should be one of the guiding principles in the design process of the future.
• It is important to foster the development of new sustainable (including bio-based) materials alongside new ways and techniques of using them, for example, the use of timber in high-rise construction.

(¹) Further information: https://www.archdaily.com/926191/steampunk-pavilion-gwyllm-jahn-and-cameron-newnham-plus-soomeen-hahm-design-plus-igor-pantic