MUSCAT In cooperation with the University of Kassel, department of Visual Arts and Architecture, the German University of Technology in Oman (GUtech) held a Symposium "Building/Art/Invention", at the university's premises in Halban last Wednesday. The one-day symposium launched at the same time a joint research project on local resources and new materials, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). "Scientists, Engineers and Architects need to be creative in order to realize their ideas. This symposium is a platform for creative ideas. To find innovative solutions in different fields, GUtech encourages interdisciplinary research," said Professor Dr. Michael Modigell, Rector of GUtech.
In the research platform Building/Arts/Invention of the University of Kassel, a team of artists, designers and architects are trying to find innovative solutions. "We bring together experts in the fields of visual arts, architecture, interaction design, industrial design, experimental physics and material research," said Professor Heike Klussmann of the University of Kassel. For example one research project focuses on generating energy by using the technical principals of a solar cell. The team creates and manufactures their own design tools/equipment. "We design our own tools in the design studio of the university. When you develop and produce your own tools, you are not limited and you can develop the tools according to your own needs," said Klussmann, who recently received an award for her excellent and innovative teaching methods. "From the first year onwards, we encourage students to teach and to take responsibilities," said Klussmann. Three students of the department, Nico Kudielka, Andre May and Lessano Negussi presented their joint Master thesis, the so-called MS IM-PORT/EX-PORT project, a interdisciplinary platform for arts, sciences and education on the river Fulda, that flows through the city of Kassel. For their research the students transformed an old passenger ship into a creative platform for the local community. The six months project included exhibitions, public lectures held by writers, architects, designers and public concerts, musicals as well as sound-performances. "We were able to hold around 180 events for more than 200 people. The events included football games, a cinema evening or a floating platform in front of the ship," said one of the students.
From GUtech, Daniela Ottmann, Assistant Professor at the department of Urban Planning and Architectural Design presented the joint-research project on local resources and new materials. "Our mission is to explore local materials by experimenting and using traditional knowledge, that was used in the past through inventing 'new' materials for a future building material industry and markets in the Sultanate of Oman," said Ottmann. According to the GUtech professor, currently the majority of the building materials is imported.
© Press Release 2013
