Material Excursions | Winter Semester 2024/25
In winter semester 2024/25, the course “Material Excursions” was offered by IMIAD as an interdisciplinary elective course for the Faculty of Architecture and Design.
What are building materials made of and what properties do they have?
Materials play a major role in bringing about the paradigm shift in the construction industry and the urgently needed construction transition. They form the basis of every construction project—without materials, nothing can be built: from construction, insulation materials, and drywall systems to interior surfaces. Where resources that are already in the material cycle cannot be reused, it makes sense to use renewable building materials. Natural raw materials not only help us in terms of our carbon footprint, but also regulate room temperature and humidity, thus ensuring a healthy indoor climate.
We took a look behind the scenes and, during factory tours and visits to completed projects, looked in particular at hemp and clay in construction and drywall. We visited HempFlax Building Solutions, Openly Valley Widnau, Lehm Ton Erde with its on-site rammed earth buildings, and naturbo clay plaster drywall systems.
The students documented and critically reflected on the excursions using photos, text, and drawings, taking into account the following questions: What is relevant information regarding building materials, their production, and use? What insights were gained from the tour that are not available online, for example?
We would like to thank the companies we visited for the tours and their hospitality!
The elective course was led by academic associate Dipl.-Des. Melissa Acker.
