Katalog: Material Flows
The exhibition Material Flows deals with material trajectories. When we observe the trajectories of matter, we can identify stations where materials are stopped, stored, immobilized, and shaped. Architecture immobilizes material until its forms are dissolved again. When the architectural form is deconstructed, the materials are set in motion again to feed transformation and recycling processes. The history of architectural forms takes into account the stationary, immobile aspect of materials. To better understand the dynamics of linear or circular movement, we propose a change of perspective.
The catalogue brings together experiments, research results, and innovative practices that underline the importance of material trajectories. The exhibition is divided into three sections. First, it focuses on a new alchemy of materials, where new physical properties emanate from molecular reorganization. Second, it introduces innovative, environmentally friendly construction methods that use low-energy materials. Third, visitors are presented with a range of recycling and reuse processes.
The catalogue is supported by the BBSR, which brought together German universities in Aachen in 2022 for the Pop-Up Campus, a temporary university. For the first time, the current state of research into ecological and innovative materials was made accessible to the general public. For this exhibition at Chidori Bunka, a cultural centre resulting from the ingenious reuse of a former workers’ hostel, we broadened the spectrum. Japanese, French, Belgian, and Dutch projects now complement the collection of German works, demonstrating the multilateral effort towards architecture that respects our planet’s limited resources.
We would like to thank the BBSR for its renewed support, and the Fonds Culturel-Franco-Allemand for its support of the cultural program offered for both professional and general audiences, including children. Our special thanks go to the authors for their invaluable contributions to the exhibition and this catalogue. Last but not least, we would like to thank the team at the RWTH Aachen Chair of Architectural Theory for their considerable collective efforts, without which Material Flows would not have been possible.