Deep Surface Building Project

Project construction of tensile membrane and bending-active frameworks in Monthoiron, France.
This seminar, taking place in the second half of the semster, focuses on the fabrication and construction of a temporary membrane structure at the site of a 15th Century tower designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The design will be developed in conjunction with the „Deep Surface Morphologies“ seminar. The structure will serve as a semi-permanent enclosure for an exhibition space and entryway into the ground level of the tower. It shall be closely calibrated and aligned with the geometry of the tower as part of its function is to serve as a stabilizing framework for portions of the tower at the base which have become decrepit. To enable the work in this seminar, you will learn critical concepts about the detailing, manufacturing and construction of membrane structures.

The seminar will begin with engineering and material analysis of the building design. Such analysis will help to specify material parameters for fabrication and structural performance, and provide information for connection details. Fabrication will take place in Stuttgart and assembly will be done on-site during a week-long field trip in Monthoiron. The field trip will take place after the end of the semester, 30.July-04.August.

The seminar will be taught in English and German. Experience in scripting is not required. It is encourageed that the seminar be taken in conjunction with the „Deep Surface Morphologies“ seminar. Both seminars are offered by the ICD and ITKE.

The seminar has received financial support from the  DVA Stiftung über den Frankreich-Schwerpunkt - Internationales Zentrum für Kultur- und Technikforschung (IZKT) for excursion expenses, and support for materials by Mehler Texnologies.