Biologically inspired pavilions for the Bundesgartenschau Heilbronn 2019, explore lightweight construction solutions

Description of project by ICD-ITKE

The Institute for Computational Design and Construction (ICD) and the Institute for Building Structures and Structural Design (ITKE) at the University of Stuttgart are developing two highly innovative, biologically inspired pavilions for the 2019 Bundesgartenschau in Heilbronn. Both are globally unique, light-weight structures that are fully computationally designed and robotically fabricated. The two pavilions embody and express the strength of innovation typical for the State of Baden-Württemberg, which has been an internationally recognized centre for lightweight constructions, biomimetics, and the development of digital technologies in architecture for several decades. By acting as the main funding body, the state will play a prominent role in the exhibition.

BuGa Fiber Pavilion

Compared to technical systems, biological structures exhibit a far higher degree of material efficiency and functional integrity. The transfer of light-weight principles such as a high degree of differentiation of material and structure, in combination with the development of computational design, simulation, and fabrication methods, enable novel constructional typologies in architecture. The BuGa Fibre Pavilion is made entirely from individual fibre composite components, which are each produced from glass and carbon fibres through an automated robotic winding process. These methods allow for the specific adaptation of form and fibre layout for each of the 60 components depending on their structural and architectural requirements. The pavilion is not only structurally highly effective and lightweight, but it also provides for a unique architectural expression and spatial experience.

BuGa Wood Pavilion

Plate structures are a particularly fascinating type of construction typology in living nature. Biological examples typically exhibit an arrangement of individual plate segments with specific and highly differentiated shapes. Both ICD and ITKE have conducted in-depth research into the computational design, construction, and fabrication of segmented timber shells based on biological principles, with a particular focus on the arrangement and shape of each segment, as well as the development of high-performance joints. The biological principle of morphological adaption can be applied through a computational design and simulation method, which in turn needs to be coupled with a digital production process. The entire structure, made from 400 different lightweight segments, is pre-fabricated in a fully robotic machining and assembly process. With a free span of over 25 meters, the resulting BuGa Wood Pavilion showcases structural and architectural innovation.

The pavilions will be opened on 17.04.2019.