This presentation of Jan Brütting (EPFL, SXL) shows a new direction in structural design: the synthesis of structures through the reuse of elements. Reusing structural elements reduces the environmental impacts of building structures because it avoids sourcing new material, it reduces waste and it requires little energy.

Designing structures from reused elements is unlike conventional structural design because stock element availability is a design input. In other words, structures must be designed subject to availability of given element characteristics such as length and cross-section type, which have a major influence on the optimal structure layout and form. In this new paradigm structural form follows availability.

We present new computational methods for the synthesis of reticular structures to address two scenarios: a) reuse of reclaimed elements from a given stock, and b) design of an element stock which is used as a kit of parts to build diverse structures.

For part a) the most recent theoretical findings and applications of the method are presented. This includes the design of spatial truss structures as well as frames for office buildings. For scenario b) the design, robotic manufacturing and assembly of the SXL’s “1-to-3” pavilion is showcased. The pavilion was part of an international exhibition at the IASS conference, held in October in Barcelona.

The smart living lunches take place once a month from 11 am to 1 pm in Fribourg to present the research activities of the Smart Living Lab. A networking lunch is served after the presentation.