Hygroscopic Aggregate Structure

Our workshop introduces participants to the notion of designed matter and teaches digital construction techniques which are gentle and non-invasive to the surrounding environment. Participants get an overview of the theoretical foundations of designed matter proposing a transition from machinic processes of architectural production towards a material intelligence: the material in and of itself becomes the machine.
The Hygroscopic Aggregate Structure will be made of hygroscopic actuated particles and locally found wood branches. It will be constructed, modulated or scanned by robots. The structure will be the first full-scale realization of a granular material system that uses the innate capacity of wood to change form under changing humidity conditions.

Designers from all disciplines can participate as the workshop touches on a wide range of skills, interests and scales. It will be conducted in an explorative and hands-on manner. Prior knowledge in robotics and programming or scripting is not required.

The workshop draws from two main research fields currently conducted in the Institute for Computational Design (ICD) at the University of Stuttgart: aggregate architectures and hygroscopic materials. The field of aggregate architectures deals with the use of loose granular materials as an architectural construction system. The field of hygroscopic materials investigates how hygroscopic behavior in wood can be programmed for controlled geometric shape change in architectural elements.

Course leader

Karola Dierichs, Achim Menges and Institute for Computational Design (ICD) Stuttgart

Target group

Students, Professionals, Engineers, Architects, Robotics

Course aim

Teaches digital construction techniques which are gentle and non-invasive to the surrounding environment.