#energydesign

Konstantin Kim, Leonard Kern , Julian Heinen

We are located at the threshold of a new reality, an era of clear hyper interdependence and planetary scale computational capabilities mixed together with uncertainties of anthropocene and approaching scarcity of resources. Can technical ingenuities evoke in us a new understanding of the milieu and playfully help us overcome the growing sense of futility?

CO2 in a scale of a single room is measured by sensors, data is then sent to the machine, which represents it in a Cartesian coordinate system with planting seeds into hydroponic system and ensuring their growth, keeping water levels intact with a reacting watering apparatus.

Temporary adjusted for measuring interior spaces, each time a level of CO2 is crossing 600 ppm (complaints of stiffness and odours), the machine plants a batch of seeds within a stripe. Each stripe of hydroculture is a day’s worth data and each water basin contains two weeks of CO2 measurements.

Over time the planted bar grows, representing its CO2 content. Day by day, a grown CO2 graph is created visualising the measure air quality.

BIOCOOL — Measurement Apparatus, Fabrication Moulds, and Prototype Evaluation

Authors

B. Sommer, U. Pont, M. Sommer-Nawara, D. Minovski, M. Schuss, S. Zaitseva

This image sequence documents an integrated phase of the BIOCOOL research project, bringing together fabrication, physical prototyping, and experimental evaluation. The images show how computationally developed ceramic geometries were translated into CNC-milled moulds, reproduced as cast components, and tested through a custom-built measurement apparatus. The sequence connects several key parts of the research workflow: the production of precise mould geometries, the material articulation of ceramic prototype surfaces, and the comparative evaluation of different samples under controlled testing conditions. Together, these images reflect the project’s broader interest in linking digital design, fabrication logic, and environmental performance. By combining mould production, prototype development, and sensor-based testing in one workflow, BIOCOOL investigates how bio-inspired ceramic envelope systems can move beyond formal exploration and operate as measurable, climate-responsive building components.

Credits

Title

BIOCOOL

Authors

B. Sommer, U. Pont, M. Sommer-Nawara, D. Minovski, M. Schuss, S. Zaitseva

These ceramic prototypes are part of the BIOCOOL research project, which investigates bio-inspired surface systems for evaporative cooling in building envelopes.

Based on the study of plant morphologies and passive cooling principles, the project explores how textured ceramic components can enhance the environmental performance of façades.

By framing the façade as an active mediator within water and energy systems, BIOCOOL proposes new material and geometric strategies for climate-responsive design.

Credits

BIOCOOL research project / Energy Design Department

Dynamic team logo with a roaring lion on bright red background

Ahmad Alexander, Boeck Adriana, Chehri Kaveh

CONCEPT

Sound that occurs in the exhibition space as well as in the outdoor space is constantly changing regarding to the amount of people, the occasion, car noise and so on. To visualize these changes, 3-dimensional objects will be digitally added into the space as a surface with various control points depending on the sound data. Additional colours could either emphasize the different volumes or mark various pitches in the room. Since sound can be a fast changing variabel, the live feed shows the space in a permanent changing mode. People can influence the geometry, hence can be a part of the art.

A further development could be a more interactive setting using phones or tablets as a tool for an augmented reality. With an app that uses the camera of the device the visualised geometry could be implemented directly into the room from the exact perspective of the user.

madeleine malle, anders krogh, sophie hartmann

The sound waves people emit translate into wires and create a new language of waves. A choreography of multiple noises develops. Capturing the sound with a sensor, five wires display, low to high frequency through movement. Translated into motion, the intensity of the sound affects the speed of the wires rotation and the appearance of the curves. The installation detects the presence of local noise and displays it visible manner.

CONCEPT

Carbon as the basis of complex organisms: Organic spheres should seem alive, as something that breathes and moves. Those spheres visualize the amount of CO2 indoors, in the yard and outside the exhibition hall. Indoors it is in a way interactive (breathe of the visitors.) The color sheme should be a link to the thermal image – CO2 as part of green- house effect. This should take place on a screen (spheres as 3D objects).