Technology continues to permeate our way of living and change the landscape of our societies. We’re seeing a reality that’s inching closer to our sci-fi dreams as we continue to harness natural energy and transition to smart cities, among others. However, does this change mean losing cultural heritage in favor of innovation? Or is this a chance to entwine history with the present? In Switzerland, this proves to be the latter as an elegant 3D printed white tower – the Tor Alva – stands tall as a beacon to revive an old town.
Printing the tower
At almost 30 meters, the Tor Alva is said to be the tallest 3D-printed structure since its completion last May. The tower has 32 branching columns that differ in size and are woven together to form four levels on top of an existing base. To create the columns, Arch. Michael Hansmeyer, alongside ETH Zurich Professor of Digital Building Technologies Benjamin Dillenburger, made use of complex algorithms, specially developed concrete, and two robots for the 3D printing process.
To have the Tor Alva hold its own, this meant that the 3D printing had the capability to be load-bearing instead of just being the shell of the columns. This also meant that the team had to create certain calculations for the load-bearing 3D printed concrete to “be tested just as safely as conventional reinforced concrete structures.”
Additionally, ETH Zurich has developed a process wherein the two robots they used had different functions; one would print out the specially developed concrete while the other would reinforce the printed column every 20 cm. From there, they created the sculpted columns separately for a total of five months to be put together on-site. The structure will last for five years in the town before being dismantled and re-erected in a different location.
Reviving a town
It’s understandable if you haven’t heard of Mulegns, a town tucked in between the glaciers and mountains that Switzerland is known for. Despite its picturesque views, the town is in danger of depopulation. With only 11 people residing in it, it could lose its history and culture, one that was flourishing with tourism thanks to immigrant confectioners. This is where the Tor Alva comes in.
To revitalize the town, ETH Zurich and the Origen Cultural Foundation came together to build the Tor Alva in an effort to bring interest back to the area. From afar, the tower’s shape reminds one of a layered cake, a nod to the confectioners in the region. In the morning, the tower is a pristine white that fits well with the greenery of the mountains, almost like it belongs in The Lord of the Rings. By night, when the tower’s lights are turned on, it looks like a glowing lighthouse. Within the structure of the Tor Alva, a spiral staircase reminiscent of the columns of the structure takes one up to the cupola theater. By July, people will be able to watch intimate performances while appreciating the view of the village and its environment.
Closing thoughts
The process of 3D printing in architecture is not new and can be seen in a range of architectural designs, from aesthetic to practical uses. While 3D printing does make building structures more sustainable and cost-effective, for the town of Mulegns, the hope is to reinvigorate its tourism and keep its historical value alive. With the Tor Alva, people can now visit and reappreciate the town through its modern structure.
YouTube: The 3D-Printed Tor Alva Tower – Merging Innovation with Heritage
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Photo credits: The images used are owned by Origen Cultural Foundation and have been provided for press usage.
