Lab: Archive

The Elbe River and its surrounding ecosystems are home to diverse plant and animal species, some of which are now under special protection. At the same time, the river has always served as a vital lifeline for humans, historically fostering trade and cultural exchange, leading to the creation of numerous myths. For ​“Guiding Spirits,” Symbiotic Lab embarks on a special journey, moving along the river between Dresden and Hamburg. Drawing on myth as a guide, Symbiotic Lab will explore the river’s mysteries and visit sites of ecological urgency: where hidden histories are told, species are protected and habitats preserved, and regenerative practices are tested.

Architecture students from Dresden Technical University, enrolled in the Architecture and Structure Design Studio at the Chair of Structural Design, are currently developing lightweight, ephemeral structures for multifunctional pavilions utilized in and around Schloss Hubertusburg.

This project explores experimental algorithmic ways to produce and display digital image clusters. This will inspire new human interpretations of digital collections.

A loaf or slice of bread may seem simple, but there is a curious complexity to the matter of bread. From geopolitical contexts to microbiological processes to multi- sensory experiences, bread and bread making can open up a whole new universe and pathway for transformative design practices. Together with the curator Thomas Geisler, the design duo Chmara.Rosinke addresses and explores the complexity of bread in this year’s Austrian pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2023.

An experimental educational program aiming to create full scale conceptual case studies of nanotourism through site-specific, participatory and locally-oriented processes.

Architectural Math for Bamboo Structures (AMBS)

An exhibition on plastic cutlery, its design history, its material culture and ecological consequences. This exhibition presents a vast collection of plastic forks, knives and spoons, asking about their implications and possible alternatives in the face of an ecological crisis.

This exchange program between two research-based institutions in China and Germany together with students, experts and other stakeholder will explore the relations between China and Germany in the field of furniture and interior design in the 20th century.

The task of the semester project is to design a relief building for the existing orangery in the park of Pillnitz Palace. 

Students from the Chair of Public Buildings at Dresden University of Technology transferred the »Dresden Museum of Decorative Arts« from its existing interim location in Pillnitz to the centre of the city as part of a design studio in the winter semester of 2020/21.

The semester project of the University of Arts Berlin to reinterpretate ceramic figurines, that were on the tables of kings and queens as conversation pieces about 300 years ago 

What if our views on democracy evolved further and would develop into an ecocracy, where next to humans, as well ecosystems and non-human species would have (equal) rights and were included into decision making processes.

In the interplay between botanical observations, free design experiments, the reading of design-historical and current texts, discussions, design workshops and design exercises, new approaches to the historically significant design collections of the Museum of Decorative Arts will be sought as ​“nature interventions”, integrated into the garden culture that can be directly experienced in Pillnitz.

This 9‑day program will provide the latest insights, tools and methods for circular design in the fields of construction and product design and guide you in conception of innovative solutions for repurpose of end-of-life components.

Building upon their recent research and adopting The Manifesto of Phyto-centred Design as a compass for further critical reflection, the founders of studio d‑o-t‑s will establish connections with local institutions and practitioners active in the field of plant cultivation, education, and conservation.

Dresdner Zimmer is a showroom and communication concept showcasing interior design from Dresden and the surrounding region.