Immersive Imperfection

Swiss partners

• Ostschweizer Fachhochschule, OST: Simone Stürwald (main applicant)

Partners in the MENA region

• German University Cairo, Egypte: Christian Schmitt (main applicant)

Presentation of the projet

"Immersive Imperfection" converges architecture, technology, and sustainability. This project reimagines the way of design, construction, architecture and participation across its core dimensions.

• Project Core: "Immersive Imperfection" endeavors to revitalize construction methods by infusing traditional materials with modern digital capabilities. The primary objectives reinterprets construction practices using recycled and vernacular materials, catalyzing climate-adapted architecture, and fostering inclusive social participation in design. This project tackles the pressing global challenges of carbon emissions within the construction sector.
• Key Innovation: The project's focal innovation centers on the creation of open masonry walls, employing vernacular clay bricks or recycled materials, all facilitated by cutting-edge digital tools like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). By seamlessly merging these diverse elements, "Immersive Imperfection" pioneers a dynamic, transformative, and sustainable approach to architectural design and construction.
• Transformative Activities: The project unfolds through workshops, material experimentation, and the integration of AR and VR in architectural design. These activities span international collaborations between industry partners in Switzerland and Egypt, uniting traditional craftsmanship with advanced technology to yield climate-responsible, sustainable architectural solutions.
• Tangible Outcomes: "Immersive Imperfection" envisions material and design models for open masonry, the fusion of AR and VR within design and construction, a showcase illustrating feasibility, documentation.
• Foundational Collaboration: This project builds upon a partnership between research partners Prof. Christian Schmitt and Prof. Simone Stürwald. Their previous projects emphasized circular and vernacular materials, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of human craftsmanship and digital innovation.
• Sustainable Legacy: Beyond its immediate scope, "Immersive Imperfection" envisions a sustainable legacy. It commits to advancing circular sustainable architecture, promoting inclusive augmented building concepts,  climate-adapted solutions, and digital production methods.

In essence, "Immersive Imperfection" charts a transformative course for architecture, harmoniously fusing tradition and technology to empower communities and professionals in co-creating a sustainable future for the built environment.