Double success: Two German Design Awards for the Cluster of Excellence IntCDC

The jury praised the Wangen Tower, which was the only project to be awarded “Gold” in the “Excellent Architecture - Conceptual Architecture” category, as a pioneering “example of material-appropriate planning and precise craftsmanship”. The jury was particularly impressed by the innovative use of self-forming timber components, which set new standards in timber construction in a walk-in tower.

The Hybrid Flax Pavilion, which was awarded the “Winner” prize in the “Excellent Architecture - Architecture” category, also received high praise. The jury highlighted the integration of the historical use of flax into a contemporary architectural concept: “The innovative combination of cross-laminated timber with robot-wound flax fibers creates a resource-efficient load-bearing system using regional, bio-based materials. The pavilion blends seamlessly into its surroundings, honoring the historical significance of flax while providing a fluid, elegantly designed space."

The German Design Award is awarded by the renowned German Design Council and, with its international appeal, is one of the most important awards in the design landscape across all industries. Since 2012, the award has recognized outstanding architectural and design achievements in various fields. In this year's competition, 1,125 participants entered the main category “Excellent Architecture” alone.

The Cluster of Excellence IntCDC is therefore delighted with the double recognition. For Prof. Achim Menges, IntCDC spokesperson and Head of the Institute for Computational Design and Construction, the awards are proof of the relevance of the IntCDC's research: “Our research aims to create the methodological basis for the urgently needed, sustainable and climate-positive transformation of planning and construction. Awards like the German Design Award validate our approach of showcasing the practicality of research through building demonstrators, while offering crucial inspiration for the development of sustainable, future-oriented architecture. With a focus on digital technologies, resource-saving structures and renewable building materials, the Cluster of Excellence will continue to set standards in research and practice in the future.