Integrated design, between architecture and engineering
During the celebrations of the 175th anniversary of the Swiss Society of Engineers and Architects (SIA), Prof. Emmanuel Rey of the Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST) was invited to present the issues related to interdisciplinary collaboration between architects and engineers. His speech was based in particular on experiences related to the realization of the "Campus Arc" in Neuchâtel, the architecture of which is characterized by an optimized integration of high functional, static, energy and acoustic performances.
The SIA was founded in Aarau in 1837 with the ambition of supporting the progress of knowledge in the fields of architecture and engineering. 175 years later, it forms today a reference association in the field of architecture, building technologies and environment. These multiple activities are articulated around a central objective, which is to maintain a sustainably designed living environment of high quality. Various events are organised in the whole of Switzerland to mark this anniversary.
By bringing together an architect, a civil engineer, an acoustician and musicians, an special event was organised on 10th May 2012 in the concert and conference hall of the "Campus Arc" in Neuchâtel, of which the exceptional characteristics illustrated the result of a successful collaboration between many disciplines. On a static level, the volume of the hall is characterised by a 15-meter overhang, of which the realisation is directly inspired by bridge technology. On an acoustic level, the room is ideal for speeches and classical music. Unique in Switzerland, a virtual sound system allows varying the reverberation time between 0.8 and 1.5 seconds, with a technology used so far only in some large auditoriums, such as those of Tel-Aviv, Prague or Moscow.
In his presentation entitled "Designing together ?", Prof. Emmanuel Rey underlined the importance of an interdisciplinary collaboration in the early project phases, in order to tend in a sharp and creative manner to a truly integrated design.