Laboratory for Visionary Architecture

Laboratory for Visionary Architecture (LAVA) is an international think tank set up in 2007 with a focus on research and design. It aims to reposition architecture at the forefront of cultural, technological and social change. It maintains offices in Sydney, Beijing, Stuttgart, Berlin and Riyadh. Directors Tobias Wallisser ^[1] and Alexander Rieck ^[2] are based in Stuttgart and Chris Bosse is based in Sydney; each is actively engaged in research, guest lecturing and teaching.^[3] Th company undergoes many collaborations with international research centres, technology laboratories and sustainability specialists.^[4]

LAVA takes their inspiration from nature; they cite as examples the tree that filters the air, filters water, produces oxygen, and is self-generating. It carries leaves and fruit, a multiple of its own structural weight; and a coral reef where thousands of species thrive in coexistence of each other and the elements, air, water and sun. This potential for naturally evolving systems to create new building typologies and structures underpins LAVA’s projects across the globe. ^[5]

LAVA s projects in Australia Abu Dhabi China Korea and Germany.

The lessons from nature are in three main areas: structure, material and building skin.^[6] LAVA projects such as Tower Skin,^[7] Snowflake Tower ^[8] and Bionic Tower feature intelligent systems and skins that respond to air pressure, temperature, humidity, solar-radiation and pollution. Sustainable structures use the very same energy that is abundant in nature.^[9] LAVA uses computation to simulate this natural behaviour of growth and adaptation of species.

Projects include master plans for universities; installations such as the lycra Green Void ^[10] and the set for the globally televised MTV Award;^[11] winning competition design for the city centre of the CO2-free city Masdar in Abu Dhabi;^[12] sports facilities;^[13] the ‘reskinning’ of an aging 60s icon, the UTS building in Sydney;^[14] furniture including the Sherman Bibliotecha and a light for Wallpaper* magazine; the revisioning of a youth hostel in Germany;^[15] a Future Hotel showcase;^[16] an emergency shelter; globetrotting digital origami tigers;^[17] and a classroom ^[18] and home of the future.^[19]

Awards include the Australian Interior Design Award,^[20] UN partnered ZEROprize Re-Skinning Award,^[21] I. D. Annual Design Review, IDEA Award,^[22] AAFAB AA London, Cityscape Dubai Award Sustainability,^[23]commendations include Well Tech Award Italy and Dedalo Minosse International Prize.^[24]

References

[1] ttp://vimeo.com/18045674

[2] ttp://www.fraunhofer.de/

[3] ttp://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/scieng/arch/cpage.asp?lCpageID=267

[4] ttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q71qGavyxQU

[5] ttp://www.object.com.au/learning/video-audio-gallery/entry/chris_bosse_lava_part_1_inspiration/

[6] ttp://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bydesign/the-conversation---with-chris-bosse/3820948

[7] ttp://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/architecture/condom-architecture-1949391.html

[8] ttp://www.thenational.ae/news/uae-news/schumacher-tower-project-breaks-ground-next-week

[9] ttp://www.object.com.au/learning/video-audio-gallery/entry/chris_bosse_lava_part_2_sustainable_practice/

[10] ttp://www.bdonline.co.uk/story.asp?sectioncode=781&storycode=3131734&c=2&encCode=00000000018d46f7

[11] ttp://www.evolo.us/architecture/mtv-awards-stage-laboratory-for-visionary-architecture/

[12] ttp://www.smh.com.au/news/entertainment/arts/oasis-of-the-future-taking-shape-in-a-distant-desert/2009/08/25/1251001900553.html

[13] ttp://www.aises.gov.au/en/publications/directories?task=item&id=353

[14] ttp://www.smh.com.au/nsw/how-to-transform-an-ugly-university-just-dont-call-it-the-condominium-20110618-1g8un.html

[15] ttp://www.designboom.com/weblog/cat/9/view/17586/lava-berchtesgaden-youth-hostel-haus-untersberg.html

[16] ttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/7795601.stm

[17] ttp://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/index.php?fuseaction=wanappln.projectview&upload_id=14487

[18] ttp://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/article/LAVAs-classroom-of-the-future/533442.aspx

[19] ttp://datasearch.uts.edu.au/dab/news-events/architecture/eventarchive-detail.cfm?ItemId=25908

[20] ttp://australianinteriordesignawards.com/gallery/2009/12

[21] ttp://reskinningawards.com/images/ZFP_ReSkinning_Winners_2010.pdf

[22] ttp://www.idea-awards.com.au/2010/giant-digital-origami-tigers-3/

[23] ttp://www.e-architect.co.uk/awards/cityscape_awards.htm

[24] ttp://www.dedalominosse.org

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