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Prof. Annette Spiro is a Professor for Architecture at ETH Zurich
www.spiro.arch.ethz.ch
Since may 2007 Annette Spiro has a chair for architecture and construction at ETH. She studied goldsmithing and jewellery design at the 'Hochschule für Gestaltung' in Zurich and later architecture at ETH. She worked and taught in Brazil and Spain. Together with Stephan Gantenbein she has her own architectural practice in Zürich.
ETH
The most consistent and complete of all the projects, and the only one that transforms waste into a new building material. In this case the icon of recycling is not merely a promise. The concept is very pragmatic - simultaneously its strength and weakness. Taking paper as a source material the form of the 'stone' as a ordinary conventional brick is not obvious. According to the specific qualities of paper one could imagine other shapes for the 'stone'. The circular wall clearly shows the amount of waste, but could have overcome the sculptural to become truly architectural.
GIT
This project is more convincing in its aesthetics than in its functional concept. The two objects are beautiful and elegant, but a clear idea and program are missing. It seems that the goal was rather to make a piece of art out of waste material instead of an object to serve as an innovative model for further evolutions.
IIT
This project is a real bricolage and achieves what good handicrafts can do at their best: it has a poetic quality, even if one cannot be sure if the the bricolage character was a conscious goal or just coincidental. Apart the very direct pictorial translation of the teakettle, the integrative topic is convincing. Although the result is charming, the functional aspect could have been far better exhausted. The idea of rain harvesting has a large potential that wasn't convincingly exploited.
NTU
The choice of pallets as a generic emblem of the port-city is comprehensible, although the pallets are long lasting objects and to date have never needed to be recycled as a waste material. What is even less convincing is the construction. The pallets are joined together with nails and screws and do not exploit the specific structure of pallets, the pet-bottles are used for decoration instead of as a building material. Despite these weak aspects, the final object has a pleasant appearance.
SJTU
The idea of making a practical invention for the students' use is convincing. However, the fruit-baskets are for repeated use and are therefore not really waste material as the project suggests. The specific characteristics of the fruit-basket as a building material could have been far more exploited in the construction. Nevertheless, the construction plans are beautiful.
POINT
Prof. Dr. Edmond Lo is Associate Professor for Civil Engineering at Nanyang Technological University.
Prof. Dr. Edmond Lo is the Chair of the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering. His main research interest is the application of hydrodynamics to coastal and inland water flows with emphasis on wave mechanics, transport processes and implications on water quality. Prof. Low holds a PhD from MIT and a BSc and MSc from Caltech.
ETH
The team is tackling one of the big waste management issues, that of paper. I like their thinking of trying to use paper as a brick in construction though I have doubts about the feasibility of something several hundred meters high using paper bricks even if incorporated within a structural frame. Issues of strength degradation from moisture and rot are also something to be considered. However the sustainability message is very powerful.
GIT
The team actually built 2 display structures that serve to highlight the (un)sustainability in the use of plastics in modern society. They are very visually attractive and would serve as prominent displays on campus.
IIT
The structure will definitely draw immediate attention when it is collecting rainwater and thus will educate the public to rainwater harvesting. However its capacity may be limited given its size and the intensity of monsoonal rains. I also wonder if the structure will stand up to strong wind loads even though it is mentioned as a design consideration. The students are commended for using mostly materials that otherwise would be discarded though they could have spent the remaining 2/3 of their budget to make their structure more inviting; its seems a rather enclosed space as currently designed. The students also put good content in Facebook, though this is not part of the judging.
NTU
I like the architectural ideas that links the Chinese traditional octagon symbol for properity with the tower that represent a spread of cultures and languaes. The tower structure is also very prominent and can be symbolic on campus, as well as rather inviting as a gathering place.
SJTU
The structure is very artistic, it will certainly draw people to it. The structure is mainly decorative in function; perhaps with some appropriate covering it can also serve as a shelter. This effort benefitted from being part of a class that downselected a team to join the competition. Also there were 2 faculty members in the video? Lastly I wonder if the fruit baskets are already widely re-cycled in Shanghai.
POINT
Prof. K. Narayanan is a Professor for Social Sciences at IIT Bombay.
Dr. Narayanan is currently Professor & Head Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Bombay. Prior to joining IIT Bombay, he taught at the University of Delhi. He is interested in the areas of industrial economics, international business, Environmental Economics, Socio-Economic impacts of Climate Change and Development Economics.
ETH
The most interdisciplinary approach. It describes the context of cultural history and budilng societies through the proposed paper brick made constuction model. However, the incorporation of societal necessasities in the construction has not been made explicit.
GIT
It makes a good attempt, combining different materials and fit. The way the team suggests to handle the plastic waste is interesting. The socio-economic context of the approach could have been better specified/explained.
IIT
This is the most innovative approach, involving indeginious knowledge to build a sustainable construction. The understanding of the local approahces, like making tea, is the unique selling point of this model.
NTU
The approach to the problem is novel. Efforts could have been made to reach out to get the knowledge of local stake holders in strengthening the model.
SJTU
The problem statement and the method used to address it are lucid and simple. Could make efforts to comment on the socio-economic context of the sustainability of adopting these practices.
POINT
Rajendra Shende is a Paris based diplomat working for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Mr. Rajendra M. Shende is Paris based diplomat in the United Nations Environment Programme . He is engaged in providing policy advice and technology support to more than 146 developing countries to eliminate use of Ozone Depleting Substances and contribute to mitigation of climate change.
ETH
The cross section of the expertise in the group and thought-chain in deciding the structure was very good. Durability of the structure is in question. Too simple a structure. I wish they should have used "up and down' life cycle" and 'recycling' signs as design of the tower. Relating quantities of waste used in the tower to campus activities/consumption is well thought .
GIT
Useof hangers is innovative. Relating the quantities used i tower to the campus activity is creative and impactful. The way it is communicated is also good. Relating the hangers to 'fashion' industry is bit far fetched. I hope the rubber bands used are if natural rubber. Striking design and structure indeed.
IIT
Thoguht process of not only using local material but the local traditions and culture was exceptional . Need of rain harvesting that emerges as part of the tower enhances the idea further. There is some delinking with the description and actual final form ( three cups vs one cup etc) . Looks like there was final rush in completing the exercise . Sustainability and durability of the structure is well achieved . Rain water harvesting with water coming in cup could have been detailed .
NTU
Linking Singapore's Trade culture and waste material related to it i.e. pallet are brilliant ideas. Flexibility of assembly and reassembly is well thought out. Wavy nature of the bottle structure was not evident in the final tower. That would have symbilosed the eternal seas and oceans that that surround the Singapore. Video was not well structured .
SJTU
Not very convincing that fruit boxes are discarded as waste after its first use. The tieing up of the boxes is by the usual plastic and hence not convincing . Durability is of medium nature. The idea of reviving the use of second hand material is powerful .
POINT
Pascal Marmier is the Executive Director of swissnex Boston and an expert in management of start-ups, communication and marketing.
Pascal Marmier studied Law at the University of Lausanne in Switzerland and the Boston University School of Law. He has been planning and leading the development of the activities of the Science and Technology Consulate of Switzerland in the fields of innovation and entrepreneurship since 1999.
ETH
The message was clearly delivered through the choice of using paper. The final structure does not have a very distinguishable design, but it looks solid and imposing. Questions are not answered as to the feasibility of such a method beyond the mere project and the general LCA of the method. It looks like a lot of water might have been needed. The video was a good summary but did not explore further some of the points raised by the team. The composition of the team sounded excellent and the “hands on” aspect was great.
GIT
The choice of material is good given the large amount of waste with bottles in particular. Good link between the 2 projects (one visible, one more hidden). The innovation with the structure of the two materials was well thought. The design is impressive and there is a great inventiveness with the use of the bands for example. The overall sustainability of the object is great and makes for an excellent object. It reminded me of some modern arts project!
IIT
Very “integrated” project that connects important topics such as waste and need to reuse water. The functionality of the structure is well thought. The structure also reflects the hands on approach of the students that made a good construction with very limited materials. The presentation had excellent graphics as well. It would have been desirable to add some additional backgrounds in particular for the design / appearance of the object.
NTU
Palettes were good to show the role of Singapore in commerce and trade. The brainstorming phase produced good results and the process led to a solid construction, which fits well with the surrounding landscape. It’s not clear if the materials can be reused. It was hard to follow the explanations in the video. The quality of the construction is very high and the team seems to have excellent coordination.
SJTU
The construction is innovative and has an impressive dimension attracting the attention of visitors. The link with sustainability is not clear given the material chosen. Can it be recyclable? Can it be used for a second and different purpose once it reaches the end of its life? The innovative arches are a great learning experience and reflect also the strength of the team. Construction seems high quality and solid. The students seem to have embraced the structure for various uses (books). The video is entertaining and cover all points of the project.
POINT
Prof. Vibeke Sorenson is an Artist from Nanyang Technological University
Vibeke Sorensen is an artist working in digital multimedia and computer animation, interactive architectural installation and visual-music performance. Currently she is Professor and Chair of the School of Art, Design and Media at the Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
ETH
The interdisciplinarity of the group is highly commendable, especially the inclusion of a philosopher. The use of waste paper as a construction material is also well considered. Relating scale to amount of waste is a good idea. The design could have been a bit more imaginative, however, and the site for installation seems to have affected impact of the work and its presentation. The paper texture could have been explored more as a design element. How long do the bricks last?
GIT
The use of hangers and bottles is excellent. Bringing attention to the fashion industry's waste is creative and relevant especially to young fashion conscious students and therefore a good choice for a university setting. Relating the scale to amount of campus use is good. The tower designs are highly impactful, both as beautiful, aesthetic designs that can be studied and experienced from multiple physical perspectives, but also from multiple content and conceptual approaches. The rubber bands are a simple and elegant solution to assembly. But from a visual perspective, they detract a little from the overall effect of the sculpture. The modularity is excellent, and the scale of the two projects is impressive.
IIT
Drawing on traditional Indian culture as a source of inspiration for sustainable design sets a very good example for the international community. This is very important and to be lauded. Combining the tea pot/cup with rain water harvesting creatively brings attention to the problem of shortage of potable water. Use of local materials as well as waste is also good. The idea is very good, and the drawing/ visualization is very nice. But the final construction is quite different, leading to an aesthetic impact that is a little disappointing. Perhaps with more time, better weather, and the inclusion of an architect in the project this otherwise very commendable project could have been realized a bit more successfully.
NTU
Combining the port history of Singapore with sustainability, and the specific choice of pallets from waste materials are all excellent choices. Bringing the multicultural identity of Singapore to the design is also highly commendable and also sets a good example for the international community. The site chosen for the installation, with buildings behind the sculpture, made it difficult to see the sculpture in the documentation. The video had problems with sound making it difficult to understand at times. The waviness of the bottles was also a good idea, and with good lighting it would have communicated the poetic association, but disappointingly, it was not discernable in the video.
SJTU
The idea of focusing attention on the second hand market in this project is commendable. The use of fruit baskets as a building material reflects the local culture. The structures are modular and the arch forms are aesthetic structural elements. The baskets at the ground level provide useful shelves for second hand books. Overall this is a good project. The choice of baskets as a building material seems to be stronger on the basis of functionality than as an effort to reduce waste. Construction is otherwise well done.
POINT
Dr. Jonathan Colton is a strong advocate of multidisciplinary hands-on design experiences from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Dr. Jonathan Colton is a professor of mechanical engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Professor Colton obtained his S.B., S.M, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology prior to joining Georgia Tech’s faculty in 1985.
ETH
The large designs are a bold statement. The installation was not shown to its best advantage.
GIT
The installation is quite striking. The rubber bands reduced the impact, as all other materials were harvested from trash.
IIT
Very clever way to integrate a commercial establishment and a water harvesting function. Well thought out cultural implications.
NTU
How did people react to the installation? Did people use it?
SJTU
Very nice installation. Clever idea to create a sheltering area and a place to sell items. Was it used to sell items?
POINT
Carl A. Rust is an expert on technology transfer and entrepreneurship from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
Carl A. Rust is Director of the Strategic Partners Office at the Georgia Institute of Technology where he is responsible for developing, enhancing, and managing strategic industrial relationships broadly across campus.
Mr. Rust has over 20 years of experience in industry-university relationships and technology transfer.
ETH
I like the creative direction of bricks made out of waste paper. The visual of the size of a tower structure proportional to amount of paper waste on campus and in the city is powerful. How long would the structure last? Are there other sustainable materials that could be added to the bricks to make them stronger, more uniformed, and durable?
GIT
Both designs let people get up close and personal with artistic structures of reused waste by walking through, under, and around them. Are there other fasteners that could have been used instead of rubber bands? I like the modularity of the design and the templates created to build the modules.
IIT
Relating rain harvesting to the locally well understood concept of tea pot/cup was artful. Designs, simulations, and construction did not correlate well.
NTU
The local ties and symbolism in the design concept and material selection are strong and well though out. I believe that there was more artistic intent in the design concept that in my mind fell a bit short of its potential in implementation.
SJTU
The selection of fruit baskets as building blocks brings in a unique local flavor and is used as a visual symbol of the fruit market to draw attention to the campus second hand market. Has the second hand market been reconstituted on campus now and it using your structure?
POINT
Dr. Dominik Brem is Environmental Officer at ETH Zurich
Dr. Dominik Brem is environmental officer at ETH Zurich. He is responsible for the universities environmental management system. Dr. Brem obtained his PhD in Biology at ETH Zürich. He worked as a consultant for energy and resource efficiency, sustainable management and strategy development.
ETH
The team combines different skills ranging from design, architecture up to machine construction for the paper bricks - a model for interdisciplinary work. The group coordination seems to be excellent, however, what happens with the material after dismantling of the tower?
GIT
The idea of a hanging tower (using the unusual, but very decorative hangers as cosntruction material) is very exciting - illustrating for me also the message that things should be seen (also regarding sustainability issues) from different perspectives.
It is the only installation, which is build within a building which may restric the access to the general public.
IIT
This Installation combines a traditional ritual (Tea drinking) with a rainwater collection system - which clearly emphasizes the need for pure drinking water. Further it is made of many different recycling material, most of them found directly on the campus and seems to be very well constructed.
The combination of tradition, picking out the drinking water as a central challenge of this region and all made with recycable - on campus material makes it a model for sustainability.
NTU
The illuminated installation looks very attractive and makes the presentation outstanding. The relation of the pallets to the history of Singapore as a shipping history - a port city makes the construction material somehow mystic. The construcion seems to of high quality and durability and has also some decorative aspects - with the tower made of mangrove wood a landmark.
SJTU
The multi-purpose installation seems to be a real attraction on the campus in Shanghai - used regularely for various events. A model how to disseminate the message of the babylon tower to the different groups living and visiting the campus in a very sustainable and also efficient way. The very unusual construction material clearly reflects the strong relationship to the region.
POINT
Prof. Li Yong is a Professor for Mechanical Engineering at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
Prof. Dr. Yong LI is currently professor for Mechanical Engineering at the Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He holds a Master Degree in Thermal Energy Engineering received his PhD in Mechanical Engineering in 2004 from the University of Hong Kong. Prof. Li is interested in the development of renewable energies especially in the area of Solar Energy.
ETH
Using waste paper to build a big tower is an ambitious and good idea. There are still a series technology challenges to build such tower. The students have done a hard work to make paper bricks
GIT
It is a creative idea to use bottles and hanger to create two towers. The towers are good artistic works to show our products can be reused and recycled appropriately. These towers can be settled not only in campus and also in other sites.
IIT
The tower has incorporated a series green building technologies with local culture and local material. It takes a lot of efforts to build such tower. Their team¡¯s website has shown their hard work and good group coordination in the competition.
NTU
Use the reconditioned wooden pallets from local to build the tower is a good idea. The tower can be used for party in the campus
SJTU
The idea to make a novel second hand goods market is very creative and practical in the campus. The design is attractive. It is suggested to keep the second-hand book store longer time and put it into practical use.
POINT
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