Spiroplasm
Organic timber structure

Spiroplasm was realized during summer 2021 by the Dessau Department of Design’s Master class. The project merged the two teaching areas of Experimental Design and Materials & Technology with the goal to create a large-scale installation from roof battens in public space. Important design and construction factors were to keep the 270 pieces of 5-meter long roof battens as intact as possible, while providing the required stability and safety. 

Institute
Dessau Department of Design

Students
Caren Larissa Flohr, Karl Breitling, Lina Holz, Veronika Stratiewski, Laura-Sophie Vollandt, Tong Pan, Vanessa Rüpprich, Dilan Donat, Wenxin Su, Toni Pasternak, Jessica Bösherz, Ahmad Abusini, Mathilde Scholz, Jakob Baumgart

Supervision
Manuel Kretzer, Katrin Günther

Image Credits
Paulina Schröder, Virginia Binsch


During the first phase the fourteen students worked in small groups on possible concepts, construction details and full-scale material mock-ups. From those initial tests and ideas the most promising design was chosen and further developped in Rhino, Grasshopper and Blender. The idea is based on two rectangular frames, which by changing their scale, rotation and position, lead to an organically appearing structural system.

Other factors to consider were the assigned space and resulting architectural restrictions, such as distance to facades/windows or the clearance of escape routes. To ensure the reusability of the material for future projects and due to budget limitations the construction and connection of the individual parts had to be cost-effective and allow for later dismantling. 

During the production phase, the roof battens were first treated with a wood stain and sealed with wood varnish for improved weather resistance. They were then cut to size, angled, joined and connected into frames with lamellos and wood glue. To maintain the correct distance in between the individual frames, additional spacer parts were produced and connected using a nail gun.

The final design creates a dynamically appearing structure and strong contrast to the surrounding buildings at the Dessau campus. The pavilion constantly attracts visitors and invites them to experience the diverse system when entering. At night the installation is illuminated with LED lights, which further enhance its visual complexity.

Institute
Dessau Department of Design

Students
Caren Larissa Flohr, Karl Breitling, Lina Holz, Laura-Sophie Vollandt, Tong Pan, Vanessa Rüpprich, Dilan Donat, Wenxin Su, Toni Pasternak, Jessica Bösherz, Ahmad Abusini, Mathilde Scholz, Jakob Baumgart

Supervision
Manuel Kretzer, Katrin Günther

Image Credits
Paulina Schröder, Virginia Binsch


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