The PreVault project is a case study in the field of computational design and numerically controlled fabrication. PreVault is a pre-cast concrete pavilion completed for the Aarhus Festuge (Festival) in Denmark. The festival is among the largest cultural events in Scandinavia and showcases both local, national and international artists.
PreVault was designed and constructed as part of a masterclass lead by Dave Pigram from supermanoeuvre & the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) in collaboration with Ole Egholm Pedersen and Niels Martin Larsen of Aarhus School of Architecture (AAA). Six students from UTS and six from (AAA) formed the rest of the project team with instructors and students taking an equal role in all design decisions.
This is the first structure of its type to fully integrate digital form finding techniques, computational file-to-fabrication workflows and innovative sustainable concrete casting techniques. The project brings supermanoeuvre’s research on computational form-finding for compression-only structures; and algorithmic feedback between design conception and design realisation; together with Ole Egholm Pederson’s research into concrete tectonics and the use of folded PETG moulds.
The compression-only form is computed through a digital hanging net (dynamic-relaxation) form-finding process. A second custom algorithm is then used to unroll; number and annotate; and add tabs, holes and calibrated dashed cut lines to each unique component; and to nest the resultant pieces onto sheets.
The final structure comprises 130 unique concrete components with cast-in reinforcement and an engineered demountable joint of polymer zip-ties. Custom scaffolding is also CNC fabricated making use of reclaimed bicycle boxes (readily available in Denmark). The structure was first assembled in a gallery space at the Aarhus School of Architecture and then demounted and reassembled in less than a day on-site at the Aarhus Festival.
