The concept of the design studio „Earthy“ is the development of semi-temporary accommodations and buildings for the refugee camp „Zataari“ in Jordan. Buildings are to be created from local materials such as compressed earth blocks. The construction process needs to be highly simplified so that camp inhabitants can participate in the construction themselves. “Shifa´s Mosaics” is translated with “Mosaics of Healing” and tackles the typology of a healthand- wellness centre for the camp. In the first step, the ideal location for the centre was defined by computing the camp region with the most need for these services.

Then, a room program was created that reflects the requirements and wishes of the camp inhabitants. Incorporating the historic typology of the courtyard house, a generative design methodology was developed to produce valid spatial configurations, centred around courtyards. One iteration was chosen to detail further. With rib vaults and muqarnas, suitable roof constructions are generated for each space. Finally, the construction is validated with a structural analysis and assembly guidelines are produced to support the camp inhabitants with the construction.

Hexaform shifts the production process for free form buildings on a whole new level, based on a modular lightweight construction. Hexaform is a building system working with the automation of sheet metal folding. The basis is formed by prefabricated hexagon pyramids, which are riveted together and stiffed with a framework. The results in a spatial folding that is based on the principles of origami. With the precise coordination of the individual folding processes, a spatial free-form surface of pyramids is created.

The framework is also a variable structure: with the help of threaded rods, the length of the rod can be shortened or lengthened and can thus react to the changed distances of the spatially curved pyramid structure. The folding and pre-assembly process is carried out in a fully automated mobile factory. Since all components are preserved in their shape and length, Hexaform can be completely dismantled and is therefore suitable for both temporary and stationary free-form constructions.

The course „Made by Robots“ was all about using robotic clay printing to create habitats for urban wildlife. A specific plot in the outskirts of Melbourne was choosen to locate the project. In an initial analysis, we identified endangered species in this specific urban ecological system, which are mostly birds and frogs. We choose to build a feeding station for them- meaning to create the optimum conditions for funghi and mosses to grow. Once funghi and mosses are populated, smaller animals like slugs, spiders and ants will follow. These animals then are serving as food for the endangered frog and bird populations. To create the design, we did several experiments on how to grow mosses and funghi in combination with clay printing.

We identified the perfect conditions regarding geometry, humidity and sunlight. Based on that, we developed modular clay elements, each serving a specific function for growing fungi, mosses, and transporting moisture and light. For that, four different kinds of prints are produced: Bottom Pieces, Top Pieces, Regular Pieces and Connectors. While Connectors and Regular Pieces can be connected with two other prints, Bottom- and Top Pieces can only connect to one other element. The result are modular pieces, that can be freely assembled to towers, with internal properties to match the local requirements. Three of these towers have been assembled on the chosen site and are currently populated by fungi and mosses. The project will be exhibited at Melbourne Design Week 2023.

The Façade Design Competition was embedded within the Master´s course „Façade Design“. The task was the creation of a free-form pavilion using a specific glass façade system by Jansen in combination with 3D-printed metal façade nodes. The number of nodes, as same as the change of angle incorporated in the nodes, was strictly limited. Our proposal was a public transport station with a tree-like structure in the middle, transitioning into a windshield.

The 3D-printed nodes should be created with the DMLS technique. This method allows high printing accuracy and allows us to integrate an optical sensor and a light into the node. Through this addition, the pavilion can interact with waiting people by tracking their movements or showing relevant information, such as a warning light indicating a bus or ferry approaching. As an initial location, a prominent position in the harbour of Rotterdam was chosen. Our proposal was awarded the first prize in the competition by a Jury consisting of delegates from Jansen, Knippers Helbig and gmp architects.

The European Readr is an initiative of the European Union to harvest interest in culture across Europe. Each country was challenged to contribute a project to the theme of 2021: „Open a book for a better future“. EUNIC Netherlands created a student competition, which we could win with our proposal. Our concept reacts to the idea of reading by creating three over-dimensioned books, each serving a specific task. The first book, „Inspire“, offers visitors to download books that are offered for free by the partner initiatives of all countries of the EU. The second book, „Dive In“, offers a space to sit down and read. Finally, the third book, „Inspire“, challenges the visitors to leave book recommendations on colourful bookmarks in an imaginary landscape of the Netherlands.

Once the competition was won, we developed a realization concept to build the pavilion within the material budget of 10.000 EUR. Thanks to being able to use the facilities of the Faculty of Architecture at TU Delft, we constructed the books from timber profiles and plywood sheets. The rounded shape of the podium was achieved through CNC milling, and the book pages and envelopes were produced by a specialized printing company. The pavilion was constructed for easy disassembly, so it could be exhibited in multiple locations. After construction, the pavilion was exhibited at OBA Amsterdam, Biblionet Veendam, Emmen and Delft.

The Architectural Research Incubator combines workspace for students of the Faculty of Architecture at RWTH Aachen with public exhibition space. To perfectly implement the room schedule, we created a compact high building for the workplaces and an elongated, representative building for exhibitions. In both typologies, the social interaction space is in the foreground, so all floors are occupied by one single main room. In the tall house, this room is flanked by two cores which have a stiffening effect. Structurally, it is a timber frame construction. In conjunction with the cores made from glued laminated timber, a pure wooden construction is created.

The structural use of wooden elements is made possible by using full-thread screws. These provide a reinforcement for the highly stressed glulam cross sections. Of course, fire protection is of particular importance to this timber construction. This is ensured by a burnup impact on the wood cross sections and by cladding the cores. The facade of the skyscraper is constructed as a double facade. This is done entirely in glass to provide the students with optimal light conditions during their work. The interspace of the double facade acts as a thermal buffer zone in summer and winter, it also allows a natural fresh air supply through a chimney effect. Therefore the tall house can do without a ventilation system.

Working from home is the new normal, and as our customer interviews confirm, almost all companies will continue to work from home after the Corona crisis. However, 45% of the people that are working from home, are working in problematic conditions, meaning they don’t meet the legal space requirements. Also, 38% of the people working from home have suffered from shoulder, neck or arm since working from home, and this number is expected to rise (CNV, 2021). A wrong seat height or insufficient light can lead to stress and tiredness- and in the long-term to physical injuries. In a stationary office, regular workplace checks are required to create a workplace that is safe and healthy to work in. But with all employees working remotely, it is a very challenging and labor-intensive task to ensure the workplace quality of all employees. Based on these conditions, we created a solution that is quick, and easy to implement in this new normal.

GleamLink is Plattform accesssible for employees via an app. It contains features to scan a workplace and gives feedback on its quality and tips for improvement. A safe and healthy workplace can therefore be assured, and disturbing environments, such as a bad lighting situation or high accoustic stresses, can be identified and eliminated. Furthermore, it can be assured that the working conditions at home are matching the regulatory requirements. GleamLink provides a healthy workplace for employees and employers can rely on less mental and physical caused by unsuited workplaces.