Updating Semper

This seminar geared at fashion design students combined critique of style theory with tectonic design experimentation. Reversing Gottfried Semper’s style argument wherein fashion holds tectonic principles (Bekleidungstheory), architectural theory and structural evaluation are put to use to describe style in fashion design.

The result is a collaborative spatial installation, designed and fabricated by the students. The installation is neither a wearable garment nor an architectural intervention, but a hybrid in scale, material and tectonic. 

 

Institution: Hochschule für Technik und Wirtschaft Berlin / Prof. Petra Skupin
Year: 2010
Type: Design and Theory Seminar
Students: 16 undergraduate students

Installation at final year show HTW
Material sample made of fabric
Material in place
Frame with tensegrity structure
Fabric patterns stretch within the frame
Critical audience
related: 

Parametric Product Design

Parametric design workshop for industrial designers at Staatliche Hochschule für Gestaltung (HfG) Karlsruhe on the invitation of Prof. Volker Albus & Stefan Legner. The workshop focussed on concepts of parametric design to generate parametric geometries creating definitions and scripts (Grasshopper for Rhino3D).

Wave Breaker

The “Wave-breaker” project challenges conventional architectural drafting methods as it is a land-art and landscape installation. The project narrates the story of seemingly abandoned industrial artifacts (the concrete precast wave-breakers) in a desert landscape.

WITH/OUT WATER

The research project 'Architecture and Urbanisation With/Out Water' investigates the material, tectonic and social dimensions of architecture in its relationship towards water.

Focal point ETH Studio Basel

Aurel von Richthofen acts as focal point for ETH Studio Basel research on urbanization in Oman in March 2013. He coordinates the visit of 10 students, 4 assistants and 2 professors to Muscat, organizes a symposium and workshops with GUtech students.