At the state press conference in Stuttgart, the nine state universities presented a list of 99 research projects aimed at creating a post-fossil future. The publication received approval and support from Baden-Württemberg’s Minister of Science, Petra Olschowski, as well as from Susanne Herre, Chief Executive Officer of the Stuttgart Region Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), both of whom attended the press conference.
The inclusion of three IntCDC projects underscores the cluster's contribution to developing innovative approaches for a more sustainable built environment through computational design, advanced fabrication technologies, and resource-efficient construction.
further information:
https://www.lrk-bw.de/99projekte/
99 Projekte für eine Zukunft ohne fossile Rohstoffe und Energieträger | Universität Stuttgart
Towards More Sustainable and Intelligent Construction
1. Cluster of Excellence for Integrative Computertional Design and Construction for Transformative Architecture (IntCDC) with the IntCDC Building demonstration project
The IntCDC is advancing a more sustainable and intelligent approach to construction through interdisciplinary research, digital innovation, and resource-efficient design.
Nine demonstrator projects, including the Hybrid Flax Pavilion, showcase how integrated co-design across architecture, engineering, materials science, and robotics can significantly reduce material use and CO₂ emissions.
Radically new, sustainable approaches are also being tested in the construction of the climate-neutral IntCDC Building: computational Design, cyber-physical manufacturing, highly functional lightweight concrete structures, multi-story timber construction, a resource-efficient timber shell roof, and more.
Funded by:
The German Research Foundation (DFG) within the framework of the Excellence Strategy of the German Federal and State Governments.
further information:
https://www.intcdc.uni-stuttgart.de/
https://www.intcdc.uni-stuttgart.de/research/intcdc-building/
2. Robotically Fabricated Timber Pavilion Demonstrates Resource-Efficient Construction: livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT
The livMatS Biomimetic Shell @ FIT is a research pavilion developed by scientists from the Universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg to explore sustainable materials and construction methods. Built as a lightweight timber structure, the pavilion is inspired by the skeletal structure of sea urchins and employs hollow wooden cassette elements. Compared with carbon-intensive materials such as steel and concrete, as well as conventional timber construction, this system significantly reduces material consumption and embodied carbon.
The project combines advanced computational design methods with robotic fabrication processes to achieve an efficient and resource-conscious construction. The pavilion also features an adaptive shading system inspired by the hygroscopic movements of pine cones and silver thistles. Activated by changes in humidity and temperature, the system operates without external energy, providing autonomous, climate-responsive shading.
Funded by:
The German Research Foundation (DFG), Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
Partners:
Cluster of Excellence for Integrative Computertional Design and Construction for Transformative Architecture (IntCDC) University of Stuttgart
Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS) University of Freiburg
further information:
https://www.intcdc.uni-stuttgart.de/research/building-demonstrators/bd-6/
https://www.icd.uni-stuttgart.de/de/projekte/livmats-biomimetic-shell/
3. Inspired by Nature – Sustainable Building with Flax Fibers: The livMatS Pavilion
Researchers from the Universities of Stuttgart and Freiburg have developed a lightweight pavilion featuring a load-bearing structure made from robotically wound flax fibers. The renewable, biodegradable material replaces fossil-based materials and, combined with efficient lightweight construction, reduces the ecological footprint of buildings. The design is inspired by the wooden skeleton of the saguaro cactus and similar cactus species, which require minimal material while providing high structural stability. The pavilion represents a sustainable alternative to conventional construction methods.
Funded by:
The German Research Foundation (DFG), Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung
Partners:
Cluster of Excellence for Integrative Computertional Design and Construction for Transformative Architecture (IntCDC) University of Stuttgart
Living, Adaptive and Energy-autonomous Materials Systems (livMatS) University of Freiburg
further information:
https://www.intcdc.uni-stuttgart.de/research/building-demonstrators/bd-5/
https://www.livmats.uni-freiburg.de/de/news-press/robotisch-gewickeltes-naturfasergebaude