Congratulations to ITECH alumni @la.mars_ @clara_blum @nomecalza @ottolindstam @juicydonutpeach!
Their ITECH M.Sc. thesis projects “Reclaimed Design” and “Gradient Density” were awarded the University of Stuttgart “Bauwende-Preise” on June 27!
Presented by the Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning with support from the Wüstenrot Foundation, the prize recognizes innovative student work addressing the building transition through design, research, and sustainability.
Reclaimed Design - An availability-oriented design methodology for reclaimed (Clara Blum, Laura Marsillo and Gonzalo Muñoz Guerrero)
The project introduces a computational and fabrication framework for reclaimed lumber. Through machine learning, material analysis, and digital fabrication, the team designed and built a 7m structural truss optimized to the unique properties of reused lumber, pushing forward resource-oriented design.
Thesis Supervisors: Prof. Dr. Thomas Wortmann (ICD/CA) and Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers (itke)
Thesis Advisers: Zuardin Akbar and Tzu-Ying Chen
With support of: Autodesk Research Residency, Polytec and the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC
More information about the project can be found here: Reclaimed Design
Gradient Density - A novel method for column-to-slab joints in point-supported cross-laminated timber slabs (Donghwi Kang and Otto Lindstam)
The project explores localized timber densification in CLT slabs. By inserting hardwood plugs to increase fiber density at column-to-slab joints, it enhances resistance to compression, bending, and punching shear while preserving the timber's height and integrity.
Thesis Supervisors: Prof. Jan Knippers (itke) and Prof. Achim Menges (ICD)
Thesis Advisers: Gregor Neubauer and Hans Jakob Wagner
With support of: TallWood Design Institute (Oregon), the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC, digitize wood and Faculty 1 Wood Workshop, Uni Stuttgart
More information about the project can be found here: Gradient Density
© Image Credits: Reclaimed Design, C. Blum, L. Marsillo, G. Muñoz Guerrero, ITECH, University of Stuttgart, 2024 / Gradient Density, D. Kang, O. Lindstam, ITECH, University of Stuttgart, 2024