Hygro Scope

The project explores a novel mode of responsive architecture based on the combination of material inherent behaviour and computational morphogenesis. The dimensional instability of wood in relation to moisture content is employed to construct a climate responsive architectural morphology. Suspended within a humidity controlled glass case the model opens and closes in response to climate changes with no need for any technical equipment or energy. Mere fluctuations in relative humidity trigger the silent changes of material-innate movement.

The project was commissioned by the Centre Pompidou Paris for its permanent collection and was first shown in the exhibition “Multiversités Créatives“ starting on 2nd of May 2012.

  • 04/2012
  • Achim Menges, Steffen Reichert