STERLING
STERLING ENGINEERS
Design Engineering
STERLING ENGINEERS is a design led structural engineering consultancy working in collaboration with designers, artists, architects within the creative building, construction and art industry. The team supports bespoke projects from the very first concepts to the realization & construction.
Founder’s journey
Nicolas Sterling created STERLING ENGINEERS after having managed a wide range of international projects from Paris and London in the field structural engineering in renowned offices. The projects completed with a design-oriented attitude have contributed to the excellence of architectural and art field.
Team
The practice, founded in 2020 by French Engineer-Architect Nicolas Sterling, is based on 15 years of combined experience, in the respective fields of Structural engineering and Architecture. He worked internationally on high-profile multidisciplinary architectural projects including buildings, foot-bridges and large-scale art installations. His “design-led” approach and further interest in innovative form, and complex structures have allowed him to contribute to a wide range of cutting-edge projects.
We are experienced to deliver in various cultural and geographic situations, and well understand the impact of challenging project in unexpected context.
Location
The studio is based in West Berlin at Gilgestrasse 10A, 14163 BERLIN in the heart of Zehlendorf. Our team is connected locally in Berlin but working within an international and multicultural network. Our previous experiences in Paris and London give us a solid European base. This means that our team works flexibly and is able to connect, function and build tailor-made teams to react to specific projects and schedules. Our connection with workshops such as Factory or 3D printing companies, allow for high-level collaboration with creative teams and individuals.
Nicolas Sterling
FOUNDER, DIRECTOR
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER CNAM, EURO ING,
CENG, MICE, ARCHITECT DPLG
Nicolas Sterling is a structural engineer and architect, qualified and chartered. He is a graduate of the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in Paris and the Paris La Villette School of Architecture.
He founded STERLING ENGINEERS in 2020, a consulting firm in architecture and engineering, based in Berlin. He was previously Associate Director of AKTII Adams Kara Taylor, managing a group delivering buildings and special structures, composed of 12 engineers and technicians. He joined ARUP AGU’s Advanced Geometry Unit in 2005, a team of specialists within ARUP led by Cecil Balmond, and was part of the ARUP Building Engineering Group in London until 2011. His design-oriented approach and interest in innovative forms and structures has enabled him to work on cutting-edge design projects with leading architectural and design firms such as Zaha Hadid, Shigeru Ban, Ron Arad and Anish Kapoor, and has been involved in a wide range of programmes such as sculptures, canopies, buildings and walkways in a design approach.
Nicolas is passionate about emerging technologies and the process of creativity in design, and motivated by the connection between architecture, design and engineering, by experimentation and cross-fertilization between disciplines. Prior to 2005, Nicolas worked with Hugh Dutton in the HDA office in Paris on lightweight structures, long span walkways and facades, developing technical concepts and details as a key point in the architectural process. Nicolas regularly gives lectures and reviews in architecture and engineering schools.
Experience
2018 – present: STERLING PRESSER
Consultant Architecture and Engineering, Co-founder and Director.
2011 – 2017: AKTII Adams Kara Taylor, London
Structural and Civil Engineering Consultant. Associate Director. In charge of the design and delivery of complex structures and iconic architectural buildings. In charge of a team of Structure and Technicians.
2009 – 2011: OVE ARUP BEL6, London
Structural Engineering Consultant. Senior Engineer.
2005 – 2009: ARUP AGU Advanced Geometry Units, London
Consultant structural engineering and complex geometries, group led by Cecil Balmond. Structural engineer.
1999 – 2005: HDA Hugh Dutton Associates, Paris
Steel and facade design consultant, specialist architectural office.
2002 – 2005: Structural Engineer – Architect.
1999 – 2002: Student Engineer Architect, part time.
1994 – 1999: Internships and Training
in various engineering and architecture offices, Paris.
SELECTION OF PROJECTS DELIVERED AS STRUCTURAL DESIGNER
Grand Theatre de Rabat, Morocco
Architects ZHA
Presidential Palace, Algiers, Algeria
Architects ZHA
Coca Cola Pavilion, London, UK
Designer Asif Khan
KASC Stadium, Saudi Arabia
Arup associates
Danish Pavilion, Shanghai, China
Architect BIG
QFIS, Qatar
Architect MYAA Ali Mangera
The Morning Line, Sevilla, Spain
Artist Matthew Richie
Reuil 2000 footbridge, Rueil, France
Architect ANMA
Torino footbridge, Italy
Architect Engineer HDA
Ashmount community centre
Architects Peynore & Prasad
SELECTION OF PROJECTS DELIVERED AS ARCHITECT ENGINEER
Taiyuan Theatre Entrance Bridge, Taiyuan Park, China
Pedestrian and cycle bridge, Heidelberg, Germany
Outdoor Theatre, Taiyuan Park, China
Lion Bridge requalification, Saint Genis, France
SKILLS
Management and leadership Technical supervision
Innovative Concepts & Realistic Feasibility
Design & delivery of complex architectural forms
Interface with other disciplines and coordination interface
EDUCATION
1997 – 2004: Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers, Paris
“Master Degree” in Civil Construction, 2004
1994 – 2002 : School of Architecture Paris La Villette, Paris
Architect DPLG, 2002
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIP
Institution of Civil Engineers ICE and Euro Engineer
Baukammer Berlin – Chamber of Engineers in Berlin
Member of the French Association of Civil Engineering and AAIIA
LANGUAGES
French (Native)
English (Current)
German (B2)
TEACHINGS / REVIEWS
KP Konstruktiv Projekts, TU Universität, Braunschweig, Germany, 2016 – 2017.
Continuing Education, Equipment of footbridges cycle “design and build pedestrian footbridges”, Ecole des Ponts et Chaussées, Paris, France, 2005 – 2014.
“Prototype facade” workshop, EiABC University, Addis Ababa Ethiopia, 2014.
KTH Stockholm, AKTII workshop, 2013.
Bartlett, London, Naja de Ostos unit, 2010, 1012.
MET, London, 2009, 2010.
Akademie der Bildenden Kunste, Vienna, Austria 2009, 2010.
“Parametric prototypes”, exhibitions and workshop, Xian University, China, 2009.
Design and Make course, Unit 3, Architectural Association, London, 2006.
SELECTED CONFERENCES
“Brücken in Deutschland”, TU Berlin, Germany 2019.
“Work in progress”, Rhino lectures, Berlin, Germany, 2017.
“Brommy New Footbridge”, Footbridge 2017 conferences, Berlin, Germany, 2017.
“Brommy New Footbridge – The Flowing Bridge”, WAF, Berlin, Germany, 2017.
“Grand Theatre de Rabat...”, IASS2017 conferences, Hamburg, Germany, 2017.
“Facades concepts and prototypes”, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2014.
“Grand Theatre de Rabat design”, AKT technical lecture serie, 2014.
“Bridging”, Parametric Prototypes lecture and exhibition, Xian, China, 2009.
“The Morning Line”, Akademie der Bildenden Kunste, Vienna, Austria, 2008.
“Work in progress”, Architectural Association, Summer school, London, UK, 2007.
“The Egyptian Museum”, Sofistik Seminar, Munich, Germany, 2007.
“Work in progress”, EPF School, Sceaux, France, 2002, 2003.
“Orleans footbridge design”, APK awards, Grand Palais, Paris, France, 2002.
SELECTED PUBLICATION
The “Grand Théatre de Rabat”, IASS 2017.
“Footbridge for Berlin” 2017, Jovis. 2017.
“Coca Cola pavilion”, Detail Magazine, 2012.
“The Morning Line”, TBA21, Matthew Ritchie with Aranda / Lasch and
Arup AGU, 2010.
OTUA Ouvrages métalliques 6, 2010,
“The Danish Pavilion”, Shanghai Expo. The ARUP Journal, 2010 ISSUE 2,
“The Denmark Pavilion Expo 2010 Shanghai, China”.
Arkitepo, number 45, August 2010, Expo 2010.
OTUA Ouvrages métalliques 4, 2005, “Equipements des passerelles”.
SELECTED RESEARCH
Engineering degree: “Footbridge to the 2006 Winter Olympic Games, Turin, Italy”.
Pre-degree: “The use of glass as a structural material in construction”.
Architect’s diploma: “Footbridge over the Loire River, Orleans, France”.
Footbridge equipment / Footbridge equipment.
SELECTED EXHIBITIONS
“STERLING PRESSER – Everything Flows – Alles fliesst”, Gallerie subject Object Schoneberg Berlin, 2017.
Exhibition “Parametric Prototypes”, Danish Pavilion, China, 2008.
SELECTED AWARDS
Crouch Hill Community Centre, BREEAM High Score Award, Education Sector, 2012.
Danish Pavilion, Detail magazine, Special Mention, Steel 2011.
Passerelle d’Orléans, Arcelor Architecture and Steel Award 2002, 3rd prize.
Passerelle d’Orléans, APK 1st Prize 2002, Engineer
more
The way we work
We deliver innovative, complex and world class projects. We design buildings, infrastructures, masterplans, interiors and objects with the common goal: to achieve sustainable projects. We design with the future in mind. Our team works on the questions of our time: can we change the way we currently live, work and circulate.
FEASIBLE CREATIVE INTEGRATED DESIGN
The creation of STERLING ENGINEERS aims at exploring structural engineering as a creative discipline in order to integrate it from the beginning of the architectural and art design process. The studio specializes in the design of unique structures, working with a network of advanced engineering experts and integrating concepts of sustainability and cost control.
Areas of activity
PUBLIC & PRIVATE SECTOR
– Artwork
– Infrastructure, footbridges and bridges
– Innovative environmentally sustainable office buildings & housings
– Sport or culture venues
– Monuments and sacred space
– Renovation of existing buildings
– Areas of activity
Workflow
Inter disciplinary studio: team “Cross - over” and “cross-fertilization”
STERLING ENGINEERS is a team of engineers, architects, geometry specialists and entrepreneurs. Our aim is to combine technical and creative disciplines beyond the traditional construction model. The aim is to achieve optimal integrated design to provide a more sustainable built environment. The question of the social function in engineering and the growing importance of technical expertise in design. Our team combines the most advanced 3D technology to model, simulate, analyze, draw and visualize with traditional methods of sketching and storytelling to stimulate a cross-fertilization, intuition and creativity.
We believe that the best projects can only be initiated by a totally integrated design approach from the first start. We embed the design process from where it starts, with the curiosity to explore. We aim at understanding any design ideas and using the first principle of engineering within the concept. We use our experience and network to engage with leaders in the supply chain to explore cutting-edge fabrication possibilities. Any design language is an opportunity to question the “next”, to experiment a sustainable solution, and use any geometry and material knowledge to support and optimize the design intent.
Integrated design: a unique “workflow” and “process”
The uniqueness of our studio is to create an engineering workflow integrated with the design process. We believe that successful projects are the result of collaborations between disciplines. We want to create unexpected solutions and be able to make new design dreams technically feasible.
HOW DOES THE COMBINATION OF DISCIPLINES INFLUENCE OUR WORK?
We often refer to the concept of “creative abrasion” processes where ideas rub together productively, as opposed to destructively! In the making of a project, in the genesis of an idea, we can very often experiment with the division of labor, where each discipline leads the idea in different branches and directions without having to examine the coherence of the project. This weakens the strength of the original essential idea.
WE DELIVER FEASIBLE DESIGN
The engineering reviews and the understanding of the architectural and art intent facilitate dialogue in the design process to make new dreams achievable and technically viable. This process is efficient, cost effective and protects the primary integrity of ideas throughout the process. It does include a review of material optimization, construction methodology, and sustainable impact in order to deliver an optimum architectures and structures. We care specifically that the architectural concept embeds and optimize the constructive process. We strive for design excellence within the given program and budget. The result is healthier projects that improve the quality of life.
Selected Projects
Selected Projects STERLING PRESSER, CO FOUNDer Director
Selected background experience pavilion and artwork
Selected background experience buildings and bridges
Service
design engineering
We work collaboratively on innovative and sustainable artwork, building structural design.
We cover the following phase
A brief introductory sentence
Concepts / Scheme design
– HOAI LP 1-3 , Germany
– Stage A to C, UK RIBA
– Stage Concept-APS French system, loi MOP
Design development
– Stage 4-5, Germany
– Stage D, UK RIBA
– Stage Concept-APD French system, loi MOP
Delivery and construction
According to the scale of the projects, we collaborate with other delivery architects and engineers in order to document and build each project in local context.
INTEGRATED PHASE OF WORK
Analysis of the strategic file and other essential requirements of the project.
Analysis of the specifications
Development of the project objectives, including quality, objectives and project results; sustainable aspirations, budget, other parameters or constraints and review of the initial, project document.
Creative structural design
Preparation of the structural design, including general specifications and review of preliminary cost information and relevant project strategies in accordance with the design program.
Detailed design development
Preparation of the developed design, including coordinated and updated proposals for structural design, construction services systems, detailed specifications, review of cost information and project strategies in accordance with the design program.
Management of risks and unknown events
The following risk register is a living document that is reviewed and updated at each design iteration. Although not exhaustive, it highlights key risk elements that are currently either unresolved with respect to the program or involve risk in relation to site conditions. An appropriate contingency must therefore be made in the budget to reflect their potential impacts.
Coordination
Our objective is to have a supporting role throughout the construction process to control the outcome of the final design in coordination with the designer.
In relation to the development of the project, the structural studies include among others:
– 2D 3D graphic representation of constraints, template networks.
– Development of 3D options.
– Parametric studies.
– Sketches and visualizations.
– Production of coordinated 2D drawings.
– Integrated constructive design and anticipation of production methods.
PARAMETRIC AND BIM TOOLS
– We develop very early the options study and the parametric study.
– We provide a 3D model from the early stages of design to understand all interfaces.
– We work directly in 3D with all the latest software, and we manage complexity.
– We study all new software related to 3D digital design in order to remain at the forefront of the market and keep up with the evolution of technology.
APPROACH TO COMPLEXITY
– We develop design solutions for complex infrastructure / building forms and interfaces.
– We take on sophisticated challenges and explore ideas beyond convention.
– We write a note on geometry to explain the setting out principles.
Contact
STERLING
ENGINEERS
GILGESTRASSE 10
14163 BERLIN
GERMANY
Work with us
If you are interested in working for STERLING ENGINEERS you are welcome to send a digital application containing a cover letter, a CV, and your portfolio to following email: info@sterlingengineers.com
Journal
Timeframe 2020
Type Botanic garden, café, exhibition center
Architect + Engineer Sterling Presser
Client Qianyuan Kultur Kommunikation Ltd
Phase LP 1 – 2, Competition
Plot 9 Botanic gardens
Taiyuan Park, China
Plot 9 is a masterplan including an eco-village, art center, hotels, home accommodations and local shops. The whole composition is a sequence along dam and river meander. Plot 9 is to be seen with higher aim to achieve a global composition in the organic local landscape including art program and green activities. The botanic garden building is one of the 5 iconic buildings that composes the masterplan. It does create a large public indoor space as an exhibition center. It will be both educational playful. It is a space to discover new plants and special species. Exhibition and café will be organized at the ground floor. A mezzanine level will provide an overview.
The ellipsoid shape of the building is integrated to the whole landscape and masterplan strategy. It is constructed as a lightweight structure composed by long span arched and stabilized by a cables network. The glass is facetted and follow the overall shape. By night, the building will be enlighted and will create an iconic signal within the whole development. Plot 9 is a masterplan including an eco-village, art center, hotels, home accommodations and local shops. The whole composition is a sequence along dam and river meander. Plot 9 is to be seen with higher aim to achieve a global composition in the organic local landscape including art program and green activities.
The botanic garden building is one of the 5 iconic buildings that composes the masterplan. It does create a large public indoor space as an exhibition center. It will be both educational playful. It is a space to discover new plants and special species. Exhibition and café will be organized at the ground floor. A mezzanine level will provide an overview. The ellipsoid shape of the building is integrated to the whole landscape and masterplan strategy. It is constructed as a lightweight structure composed by long span arched and stabilized by a cables network. The glass is facetted and follow the overall shape. By night, the building will be enlighted and will create an iconic signal within the whole development.
Timeframe 2019
Type Outdoor Theatre – 3000 seats
Budget NA
Architect + Engineer Sterling Presser
Local Architect SOL
Client Qianyuan Kultur Kommunikation Ltd
Stage Concept, Scheme Design, Construction information 3D model
Status Under construction
Outdoor Water Theatre – Taiyuan Park
Taiyuan Park, China
The outdoor theatre is a large-scale permanent installation to gather up to 3000 visitors. It is designed as sequential movement that connects & emerges from the landscape. The whole composition is a lotus sequence. The entrance curved bridge announces the lotus geometry at the arrival. The dam connects the theatre from the South. The whole geometry is flowing along the landscape and the river. It aims at being a point of focus. The Theatre brings public together. Thousands of eyes are unified to participate to a performance and be inspired by the work of art. The indirect path to arrive to the theatre gives the chance to discover the water feature step by step. The project development is built up in a short time. The theatre within the landscape aims at leaving a cultural heritage and a landmark along the river for a longer timeframe. The project is to be seen with higher aim to achieve a global composition. The footbridges access, the landscape meridians will connect together with the outer and inner theatre as a single network.
The project creates a continuous flow and a unique centralised composition. It is like a ribbon weaving up and down along the elliptic profile and creating space for programme underneath and slope for seating area. The entrance is formed through intermediate low points between the leaves as an articulated point. The continuous ribbon anticipates and envision the inner theatre along the river. The landscape includes that branch. The geometry is generated in order to be in axis and centralised on the theatre project.
Timeframe 2019 – Current
Type Entrance footbridge – new theatre
Budget ca. 2 MIO €
Maximum span 31 m, Length 200 m, Width 6.5 m
Material Steel
Architect + Engineer Sterling Presser
Local Architect SOL
Client Qianyuan Kultur Kommunikation Ltd
Status under construction
Taiyuan Park Bridge
Taiyuan, China
The footbridge connects the landscape to the car park located beyond the river and its meanders. Its curvature announces the geometry of the lotus at the arrival. Its indirect path allows you to arrive from the side and discover the water, step by step. A straight path would make the route too direct. The concept is to design a connection to the car park in harmony with the lotus pattern of the landscape and the outer theatre. It develops from the same geometry. The double-curved footbridge is a gentle movement.
The entire balustrade gives quality to the design. The non- repetitive Moiré pattern creates a vibrant surface. In general footbridges are used at a slower pace than road bridges. Therefore the balustrade is a direct contact with the user and plays directly with light and shadows. The project is an invitation to the theatre. The structure of the bridge is constructed as a box grider welded at the contractor yard into transportable elements, craned and connected on site.
The torsional capacity of the main central box provides rigidity under dissymmetrical load case. The deck structure is supported onto sliding bearing providing restraints and the relevant release under thermal load case induced by the curvature in plan.
Timeframe 2004
Type Rénovation / transformation
Architect Fréderic Descamps
Client M. Nicolas
Phase Construction
Maison Nicolas
Vitry / Paris, France
The project consisted in a ‘banlieue’ house transformation and renovation. The project re connected the front and the back of the plot into a living area. It aimed as well at creating an inhabited terrace and garden space in between the 2 existing building volume, at the center of the plot. The terrace extension, gave the opportunity to create a steel frame freeing the living space underneath from any intermediate support.
Timeframe 2016
Type Monument
surface 452 sqm
Architect + Engineer Sterling Presser
Team Ghaith tish, matteo montesi
Client Lamborghini Automobili
Phase Competition, Finalist
Lamborghini Road Monument
San Agata, Italy
The Lamborghini Road Monument refers to the evolution of the car in time and the shape outline definition through the history of the brand. The project is an opportunity to express the differentiation of shape – form finding, starting from a more curvilign approach to a more contemporary and sharp definition. The shape outlines and each single detail are thought to connect to the dream and to the specific vision of the cars beyond the physical object. It does open a world of extreme absolute desire where speed, acceleration, sound, cutting edge techniques brings the individual from one point to another dimension.
The project celebrates as the art of engineering: material structural performance, definition of a responsive structural grid and constructibility aspects are an important criteria of the design development and vision. The structure was design as a performant inner aluminium framing and carbone fibre envelope.
Timeframe 2017
Type pedestrian and cyclist footbridge
Budget ca. 8 Mio EUR
Span 110 m, Length 150 m, Width 4 – 7 m
MateriaL Steel
Architect + Engineer Sterling Presser
Phases Call for idea LP 1 – 2
Client TU / Senat
Prize Finalist World Architecture Festival 2017
Publication “The world footbridge for Berlin”, Jovis
Exhibition Galerie SubjectObject Schöneberg, Berlin
Brommy New Footbridge
Berlin, Germany
The historical, cultural and geographic contexts are a unique background to the project, marked by a history of resistance. The site is a place of reunion and division where 2 bridges have already been built and destroyed. The East Side Gallery, along the site, is recalling the old city division between East and West. Since 1989, the graffiti’s and the street art express messages of freedom, hope and liberation. The footbridge proposal is not only a crossing structure but a unique opportunity to create a strong link above the river Spree, and with the East Side Gallery. The bridge channels the landscaping flow of 2 spiraling energy along “The Wall” vestige into a new unique flow on the other side, symbolizing the regeneration after resistance, and creating a new place of reflection, contemplation through a meditative walk.
The footbridge is constructed as a diagrid structure. Its apparent seamless and faceted form participates to the abstraction of the whole shape – without any hierarchy. One option is to use of mirrors as a key feature within the structure to abstract the footbridge object into an experience, starting from the dense wall to the light reflection of the water. It would open a new virtual dimension a “dream catcher.”
Timeframe 2018
Type Sacred space – mosque
Renderings Render art
Architect + Engineer Sterling Presser
Concept engineer Sterling presser
Client emaar properties
Phase Competition
The Iconic Mosque
Creek Harbour, Dubai, UAE
The Iconic Mosque at Dubai Creek Harbour creates a dynamic open movement. Originated from the centre of the Creek Tower, the landscape radial lines and Mosque building are integrated in a continuous flow. The project has a unique identity within a sequential landscape in continuity of the Creek Tower masterplan. The elegant cable geometry stabilising the Creek Tower, guides the verticality towards the sky and delivers a gracious dynamism. With a total capacity of 7500 worshippers internally, the Mosque is a urban signal. It has an accessible roof with a capacity to take 2000 worshippers.
The whole project is designed as a sustainability and engineering landmark. The form of the building itself is made of environmental design concept, and aiming that all energy is self sufficient on site, including natural light, ventilation and water cooling. The Mosque is using traditional technics and state of the art engineering, with local resources, efficient material, form finding technics to optimise the long span high performance concrete structure. The cable layout draping and restraining the core of the Creek tower project are per definition describing a ruled surface that inspire the mosque geometry. The mosque building has a transversal triangular shape as an inverted pyramid in section. It does minimise the site footprint and creates a dramatic wing form within the landscape. In elevation the building is slopped and the roof is then accessible, and cantilevering. The V shape is stabilised by the central cores connected with horizontal diaphragms.
Timeframe 2014
Type Pavilion
Architect Sterling Presser
Client / Organizer AC-CA
Phase Competition
River Champagne Bar
Paris, France
The project is conceived as a temporary pavilion, mobile, seasonal, rather than a permanent building, in dialogue with the inhabited ‘Peniche’. The floating pavilion is minimal and can be plugged and unplugged to the existing site. Its elongated curve is integrated to the linear border of the Parisian river La Seine.
AN INNER MULTI SENSORY EXPERIENCE
The champagne bar is designed as a multi- sensory space where the visitors will have a spatial experience through the shape dynamism which creates different distinct spaces and ambiances. The music performances are amplified in the ‘vortex’ – a tuned and intimate space – while the bar is a long open space for contemplation and degustation. The music performers create a sound vibration without being fully unveiled and seen by their public.
A MULTI-LAYERED STRUCTURAL LOOP
The project skin is made of a multi layered Corten steel giving a strong feel of materiality and temporality. The whole structure works as diagrid shell as a light and performant solution.
Timeframe XXX
Type Sculpture (approx. 312 × 243 × 139 cm)
Artist Fernand Léger (1952)
Client private
Phase Construction study
La Fleur Qui Marche
Saint Tropez, France
“After his groundbreaking investigations of complex forms and patterns in the paintings of his Cubist years – paintings such as the 1920 Composition – Fernand Léger moved towards a style of greater generalization and simplicity. Back in France after the war, the artist expanded his interest in public art, embracing new media – mosaics, textiles, and stained glass among them. He visited the town of Biot, near Nice, where a former student was in charge of ceramic works. Léger began to work in ceramic sculpture, first creating murals in low relief but soon embracing the idea of a fully round sculptural form. Walking Flower was one of the products of this burst of creativity, boldly colored on one face, black and white on the other, a form from nature imbued with a human spirit, a spirit of humor, of play, and of joyfulness.” Kimbell Art Museum
The study consisted on supporting a private client on the erection sequence and construction assembly methodology of the sculpture (one of the 3 sculpture of that serie) delivered in separate elements.
Timeframe 2008
Type Modular furniture
Architect H20
Client HKBC
Phase Competetion, prototype realisation
Ductal Chair
Valenciennes, France
The ‘Ductal’ chair is a modular furniture system designed by H20 architects team in collaboration with Nicolas Sterling for the main square of Valenciennes in northern France.
Made from fibre concrete, the components can be configured to form stools, benches and chairs for public seating. The research focused on the investigation of five themes: minimal form, non-orientation, sculptural quality, flexibility and additive qualities. The visual simplicity of the basic module is reinforced by its materiality.
The thin shell of Ductal® fiber concrete – at once skin and structure – embodies the material’s inherent form. Thanks to games of assemblage, flipping and inversion the
bench becomes a game of correlations: at once stool, chair, bench, and meeting place. The Ductal chair has been an experimentation with material properties, the fabrication process and geometry.
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