Think Factory

摘要

The material of a building determines its character. How we perceive materials, however, is decided - in addition to our five senses - above all by our sense of aesthetics. But what we perceive as aesthetic is subject to constant change: Trends come and go - and with them our visual habits. Aesthetics is therefore not a constant law of nature, but rather a conscious decision to engage with new - or even old - appearances. In this way, we can relearn to perceive the beauty of an earthen building, to enjoy the grey patina of a wooden facade or to engage with the chaotic aesthetics of re-use projects - because our current habits of seeing, drilled as they are on steel, glass and exposed concrete, no longer support us on the path to a holistic architecture. The times are over when we can choose building materials based on design aspects alone; the impact of building materials on people and the environment must now come first. In the current Think Factory, we show the connections between material, culture, environment and society - from Austria to Pakistan, via France to Antarctica. In an interview, Yasmeen Lari provides insights into her creative process as well as her visions for the future of architecture - and in doing so clarifies the decisive role of building materials in questions of climate protection and equality. In an essay, Michelle Howard highlights current processes of materials research at the Institute of Art and Architecture at the Academy of Fine Arts Vienna and questions long-established structures. The Future Talk by Linda Pezzei with Roland Meingast deals with the stepmotherly material clay and discusses possible areas of application. The magdas Hotel in Vienna by BWM Architekten demonstrates the material aesthetics of re-use, followed by a project in lightweight construction made of wood and textile, on the banks of the river Aix in France. The installation "Home Memories" by balbek bureau makes a geographical leap to Antarctica, and thus demonstrates a new approach to materiality under extreme climatic conditions. Misha Nemkov's examination of the connections between space, matter, communication and censorship concludes the Next Generation section.