INVENTORICS | Recombining Artifacts for Innovation (DAE)
Today, with the help of digital tools for design and fabrication in architecture, complex structures can be designed and realized. With this computational power, it is also possible to build with unique parts, which allows to consider found objects and “waste products” as a resource for construction. To value and to (re)use such unconventional materials could contribute to a self-sustaining building culture with a distinctive aesthetic.
Embedded in the field of discrete design, where versatile modular components are used to assemble buildings that can be dismantled and reconfigured, this project aims to combine these separate approaches into a method for designing transformable spatial systems made from industrial waste stocks. Conventional sustainability concepts, based on circular economy principles, commonly strive for standardization, and minimizing irregularities. But the complexity of predefined artifacts not only constitutes a problem to be solved but offers a creative potential. The disparity between the uniqueness of parts on one hand and their systematic assembly on the other, might provide a productive tension and a unique opportunity for innovation.
Expanding the range of resource types beyond standard formats requires both, an advanced computer-based way of working, and an intuitive artistic approach. An emphasis on the process lies at the core of this research project – the work focuses on iterative studies that follow a defined concept but are conducted with open outcomes. Understanding the distinct characteristics of parts and the emerging consequences for potential correlations is the basis for a bottom-up method of designing, which is built upon findings from the team’s preceding PEEK project. Throughout this project, experimentation is key. “Making”, both in physical and digital realms, is understood as a means of understanding and clarifying complex questions. Furthermore the work is embedded in an interdisciplinary exchange with experts.
In the first phase, a range of possible material categories is assessed and subsequently narrowed down to a focus on significant examples. After that, the work is structured in a series of iterative work clusters; within each, one specific type of resource is examined in depth, subsequently accumulating knowledge, techniques and concepts. By disclosing findings and techniques, as well as making tools openly accessible, the project aims to expand the field of discrete and circular design towards more diverse concepts, that reach beyond purely functional solutions and to encourage additional research and discourse.
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TEAM
Project Lead
Christoph KALTENBRUNNER Univ.-Prof. Mag.art. BSc.
Researchers
Lukas ALLNER wiss. Mitarb. Mag.arch.
Zeynep AKSÖZ Univ.-Lekt., DI Dr.techn. MArch
Daniela KRÖHNERT Univ.-Ass. Mag.arch.
Ben JAMES
Andrea ROSSI M.A.
The project is located at the University of Applied Arts Vienna funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), PEEK program (AR 730-G) | 2022-2026
EDALFOP | Establishing Diverse Application of “Luffa Aegyptiaca” for Functional Objects Production (DAE|TEX)
This project focuses on establishing diverse applications of Luffa ‘Aegyptiaca’ for functional objects production. With the main purpose of producing diversified essentially functional objects from Luffa for income generation, it is believed that the plant shall be exposed as a potential material to enhance community livelihoods. 3 specific objectives guide the main purpose;
1 Identifying how diversely Luffa has been used worldwide,
2 Exploring artistic methods of utilizing Luffa through diverse Art forms to produce functional objects for income generation,
3 Involving local community women and youth groups in practica demonstrations of producing functional objects from Luffa.
This exploratory study will employ a descriptive and practical project design. Participatory methods that include; Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), interviews, observations, documentary-reviews, consultative-meetings with key stakeholders and studio practice will effectively address research questions. Establishing the extent of worldwide usage of Luffa will involve studying existing literature supplemented by information to be obtained through interactive sessions with respondents from Uganda and Austria. Different Art Forms such as; sculpture, jewelry, graphic design shall be used to derive artistic methods to explore and utilize Luffa and hence facilitating Studio practice for production of functional objects for income generation.
By providing potential avenues to creativity and innovation community livelihoods will be enhanced hence poverty alleviation, community-involvements uplift descent work and economic growth, production of functional objects promotes industry, innovation and infrastructure hence responsible consumption and production as well as creating partnerships of accessing knowledge.
PROJECTPARTNERS
University of Applied Arts Vienna | AUSTRIA
Nkumba University | Kampala UGANDA
FH Salzburg | Salzburg AUSTRIA
The project is funded by AFRICA-UNINET (OAED) program | 2023-2025
CONCEPTUAL JOINING – WOOD STRUCTURES FROM DETAIL TO UTOPIA (DAE)
is a project at the University of Applied Arts Vienna funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF).
The team consists of Architects, Designers, Carpenters and Engineers
In the course of industrialization timber construction changed considerably. The traditional crafted joints were widely replaced by metal connectors. The anisotropic structure of wood was considered a disadvantage and therefore various homogenized timber products were developed, largely eliminating characteristic qualities of wood. We regard it as the better strategy to make use of the material’s natural properties thus capitalizing on nature instead of struggling against it.
Various traditional timber constructions such as Japanese joinery took advantage of wood’s natural structure and behavior but today the time consuming and therefore expensive production makes them uneconomical. CAD/CAM and especially parametric modeling now offer a powerful way of re-interpreting traditional woodworking and open up new horizons for furniture and timber architecture.
By combining the qualities of traditional craftsmanship with the potential of cutting-edge computational techniques a variety of structural configurations and wood joining methods will be developed and tested. Apart from theoretical research our work will be based primarily on practical experimentation. Informed by an in depth understanding of material behavior and correlating joining principles we develop design systems, geometries and structures.
All rights reserved. Any duplication or redistribution as a whole or in parts of the published material requires written permission of Conceptual Joining.
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TEAM
Project Lead
Christoph KALTENBRUNNER Univ.-Prof. Mag.art. BSc.
Mentors
Karin RAITH Univ.-Prof. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.techn.
Anja JONKHANS Sen.Art. Dipl.arch. M.arch.
Clemens PREISINGER Sen.Sc. Dipl.-Ing. Dr.
Researchers
Lukas ALLNER wiss. Mitarb. Mag.arch.
Daniela KRÖHNERT Univ.-Ass. Mag.arch.
Philipp REINSBERG Univ.-Lekt. | wiss. Mitarb. Mag.arch
Mechthild WEBER wiss. Mitarb. MArch
conceptual-joining@uni-ak.ac.at
www.conceptual-joining.com
The project is located at the University of Applied Arts Vienna funded by the Austrian Science Fund (FWF), PEEK program (AR 395-G24) | 2017-2021
